Midfielder Ben Pearson is looking forward to making his return to action after a month out through injury.
Pearson has been missing since the final game in August against Middlesbrough, and after a frustrating period on the sidelines, one of Alex Neil's key men could be set for a return after the international break.
On his injury, the 22-year-old said: "It's probably been the most frustrating month of my career I think, I've never really had an injury like this and just the timing of it wasn't great. We were doing well and I was doing well personally but these things happen and the team have done great since, we are still up there and we are still pushing so that's the main thing."
On finding his way back into the starting Xl, Pearson continued: "It's going to be tough but that's the best thing for the squad, I don't think anyone is a guaranteed started and everyone has to fight for their spot so I'm just glad that the lads have done well and we've still managed to maintain our position throughout September and long may that continue."
The former Manchester United youngster has had to watch from the stands as North End went unbeaten throughout September, and although he admits it's been made easier by the results, he is eager to return for a tough month ahead.
"I hate it to be honest," Pearson said on watching from afar, "it's miles better when we are winning but as the weeks go on you get more into it and wanting to get back but it's football. I've worked hard on my rehab slowly but surely, it's taken a little longer than what it was supposed to but hopefully after this international break I will be back.
"I think it's great the football we've been playing, the manager has come in and put his own stamp on it and the lads have really bought into it. I think you can see in the performances the difference in style we've been playing and we've got the players to do that and it's working.
"We need a bit of rest now to recharge and then go again for October but I think we're in a strong position and with the players we've got we can really make a push this year."
After the international break, North End face back to back away trips to Fulham and Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Pearson feels those games will set a good marker for the level the current team is at.
"This next month is going to be massive for us, I think if we can maintain our form and our league position then it stands us in good stead for the rest of the season.
"We've got two tough away games coming up next with Fulham and Wolves, so that will set a marker of where we are at as to playing the top teams. We've just got to keep doing what we are doing and see where it takes us.
"Last year Fulham were probably the best team we played, I know they've struggled and they've sold a few players but they will still be right up there come the end of the season so I think the next two away games are going to be tough but we are in good form away, we've won the last two so we've just got to keep that going."
Hear more from Pearson now by clicking on the video above.