Preston North End defender Claude Davis believes his team mates have the self-belief they need to maintain their place in the play-off zone.

But Davis, whose performances at the centre of North End's defence have forced last season's player of the year to watch from the subs' bench, believes his side face a tough time from rival teams determined to stop them in their tracks.

Speaking ahead of this weekend's trip to Derby, who North End beat in the play-off semi finals, Davis said: "Self-belief is something the gaffer is trying to get across to all of us and he is a tremendous man and we are all proud to be playing for him.

"With him behind us, things are going to happen for us. Hopefully, we're giving him what he's been asking for."