I know a lot of players set themselves specific targets when a new season kicks off but for me I just want to do as well as I did last year. If I can do then hopefully it will be good enough to get me back in the Republic of Ireland squad but first and foremost my main priority is to make sure I am playing every week and playing well at Preston.

This weekend’s match is going to be pretty special. Not only is it the first home league game of the season it is also the grand opening of our new stand.

The ground looks tremendous now, it really is built for playing in the premiership with the four stands finished and hopefully the fans will create a really good atmosphere for us.

Hopefully everything that is going on will create a better atmosphere but we have got approach it as a normal home game. It is a little bit more special being the first one but we’re looking forward to it.

Crystal Palace came to Deepdale last year and beat us, so we want to get one over them because not too many teams come here and win. They are a good side, they drew 0-0 with Watford on Saturday
but we are full of confidence and hopefully we can get another three points and another clean sheet.