DARRAGH Lenihan says Rovers must keep Preston winger Aiden McGeady quiet if they are to win today’s derby duel.

Republic of Ireland star McGeady has had a big impact since arriving on a season-long loan from Everton last summer.

The 30-year-old was named Championship Player of the Month for February after his three goals and four assists kept Simon Grayson’s side’s play-off push on course.

And Lenihan, who admitted he used to watch the twinkle-toes flier playing for Celtic when he was a youngster, is well aware of the threat he will pose the Rovers defence.

He said: “Growing up I watched Aiden – he’s a top player.

“He played for Celtic in the Champions League, some massive games, and he’s been doing well the past few games for Preston.

“He’s been on form and he’s a player we need to quieten down if we want to win this game.”

Lenihan has been transformed from midfielder to centre-half this season, making 38 appearances and winning plenty of plaudits for his no-nonsense style.

But he admits he’s been disappointed to see his side concede four goals in the last two games and wants to follow up the home shut-outs against Derby and Wigan with another against North End. “The last two games we’ve conceded twice in each, which is disappointing really for a defender,” he said.

“But we played against two very good teams. I know Norwich went down to 10 men, but Fulham are the second highest scorers in the league.

“We are always looking to hopefully just keep a clean sheet.

“We beat Derby with a clean sheet at home, we beat Wigan with a clean sheet at home, so we’ll be looking to do the same this Saturday.”

He added: “We’ve done well at home recently, but we’re looking to go and win every game and I don’t see why we can’t.

“We’ve beaten Newcastle twice, who are top of the table, and Huddersfield who are third in the league

“We’ve performed well against the best teams in the league so I don’t see why we can’t get three points in every game.”

Lenihan celebrated his 23rd birthday on Thursday, admitting the nearest he got to a celebration was bringing in the traditional donuts for his teammates.

But he wants to get the points wrapped up today to help his team’s battle against the drop, and also gain revenge for a stinging 3-2 defeat at Deepdale in December when Rovers twice came from behind only to be undone by a late Preston goal.

“It was a tough one to take earlier in the season, when we lost 3-2,” he said.

“But we need to put that behind us and look forward.

“We all know it’s going to be a tough game.

“They are a good side and they beat Reading 3-0 last weekend, but we know what to expect and the manager has us prepared for that.”

He added: “Derbies are all about the atmosphere.

“Six thousand Preston fans (will be there) so it’s going to be a very good atmosphere - very hostile hopefully. I’m looking forward to it.”

“We’ve not been beaten in a good few games, so we’ve just got to keep going like that.

“There is confidence, especially when the new manager came in. he’s got us more organised, difficult to beat.

“We just need to push forward – don’t look back at what happened, just keep looking forward to each game and Preston the most important one now.”