David Buchanan is looking forward to Saturday’s FA Cup tie with Barnet as a welcome change to league duty.
In what is still the most glamorous domestic cup competition in the world according to the full back, Buchanan is hoping to see North End return to winning ways at Deepdale following a barren past few weeks at home in relation to victories.
“The FA Cup comes as a welcome distraction,” stated Buchs.
“We picked up a draw on Saturday against Tranmere in difficult circumstances and I just think it is important to get back to winning at Deepdale.
“We have drawn our last couple of games on there so as a squad we are aware of that and whatever team the manager puts out, we will be looking to do our best to make sure we are in the draw for the next round.
“It is always nice to play in the FA Cup, it is another home draw and it is going to be a tough game.
“Barnet are going to come here, we have done some work on them, we have watched them and they like to pass the ball, get it out from the back and knock the ball around.
“They are from the Football Conference and are probably going to come to Deepdale, like a lot of teams do and get a lift, because it is a beautiful stadium and the pitch will be immaculate.
“We have done our homework on them and it is just important now that we go out there on Saturday and force our game on them and hopefully our quality will come through.
“The home draw is the most important thing, the FA Cup is important for every Club; it is the best competition in the world for me.
“Every player loves to play in the FA Cup, it starts months ago with the qualifying rounds etc.
“I think a home draw gives you the best chance of getting through to the next round and I think for us it is just important that we go about our business in the right way, respect our opponents, but then know what qualities we have got.
“And I think if we apply our game and put it on to them from the first whistle, then we can get the right result.”
With Barnet comes manager Edgar Davids, one of the great footballing icons in recent memory.
And the PNE No.16 is looking forward to possibly pitting his wits against the Dutchman on the field of battle come Saturday.
“It goes without saying, the things that Edgar Davids has achieved in the game are phenomenal,” added Buchanan.
“He has started a new chapter in his life now and hopefully he plays on Saturday and it would be good to play against him.
“He has played for some of the biggest clubs in the world and won the biggest competitions.
“I have watched him play a few times this season and he seems like a right character as well, so it will be good to play against him.”
In what has been a successful week for North End off the pitch with John Welsh winning the North West Football Awards League One Player of the Year, Buchanan was full of praise for his teammate from both Tranmere Rovers and PNE – a man who is following in the Northern Irish man’s footsteps with regards to winning this accolade.
He continued: “It is fantastic news for the Club that Welshy won the award.
“We didn’t do too well last season, but it just shows how well he has done.
“He is a great player, a great guy and he is a leader in and around the dressing room and he fully deserves it and I am absolutely made up for him.
“Me and John have played together for a couple of years now and if I couldn’t win it, then I couldn’t have asked for anyone better to get it.”