Ferguson replaced Alan Irvine as Preston manager in January

Preston boss Darren Ferguson has warned his players that they must improve at the back after a 5-3 defeat by Derby or they could face a relegation battle.

Three of Ferguson's eight league games in charge of North End have seen them concede four goals or more.

He told BBC Radio Lancashire: "If we defend like that and concede goals like that we are going to be in trouble.

"To concede five is an absolute joke and the manner of the goals Derby have not been made to work."

And the former Peterborough boss said: "I know what I can put it down to. I will keep that to myself but I know what the answer is.

"You can do as much set-piece work as you want on the training ground but once you cross that line you've got to be responsible for people but we'll keep working at it."

Preston have kept three clean sheets in Ferguson's reign as well.

Despite the defeat which leaves Preston seven points above the relegation places, Ferguson says a big positive in recent matches has been the return to form of striker Jon Parkin.

He said: "I think the last three games Jon has been absolutely excellent. I only took him off (at Derby) to give him a rest for the weekend."

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