PNE boss Darren Ferguson has called for patience and positivity from the fans at Deepdale on Tuesday night.

Ferguson was speaking ahead of the visit of Sheffield United, the North End gaffer has openly admitted that his players are short of confidence and belief but also praised the team's effort and commitment following the defeat to Swansea on Saturday.

"I plead with the fans, they've got to be patient, we've got to be really positive towards the players tomorrow night, that is key," Ferguson told pne.com.

"Fans want to win every game and see players put in great performances but they are human beings at the end of the day and it doesn't help them if they are getting a bit of stick.

"It's important everyone is positive tomorrow night, we've got to get a win, I do feel that, and that will set us up for the derby on Saturday."

North End's fans may get the opportunity to see a new look midfield against the Blades with Paul Coutts, Keith Treacy and Matt James all in line for some action, but Ferguson has hinted that one of the old guard may also be in contention for a return.

"We've got players fighting for places and that's how it should be. We've tinkered with it a little bit because we thought Chris Sedgwick was going, but he was back in the squad Saturday and I have to say in training he has been doing very well, so may come back into my thoughts.

"I said to him that it might not work out with him at Barnsley, and it didn't and he's come back and shown the right attitude in training and he is a part of the squad. He's not another addition but we felt we were losing him. I understand the situation, he is out of contract in the summer, but he has trained very well and has come back into my thoughts and that is what I want to see.

"I want to see players that are hungry and training well and if they are left out then I want to see them give me a reaction and a real good positive response to get back into the team. The one thing they know is that if they are not at it then there are other people available to replace them and I think that is healthy for the squad, there is no doubt about that."