Paul Gallagher hopes that a local derby victory over Bolton Wanderers can help the club in the push for the Play-Offs.
The fans selected this weekend's trip to Macron Stadium as the venue for this season's Gentry Day, an occasion to pay respects to North End fans who have sadly passed away in the last 12 months.
Speaking to iFollow PNE ahead of the Championship clash, the midfielder said: “The fans celebrate properly and there is always a tremendous turnout. I’m sure we had it at Bolton before and we scored and Callum Robinson ended up with a bowler hat on in the celebration!
“They know how to celebrate it and we are looking to go there and get three points and put a smile on everybody’s face for an important day, and most importantly we want three points as well.”
This weekends fixture is the only all-Lancashire clash in the championship this season and Gallagher has had his fair share of victories over local teams in the past, he hopes to add another win against Bolton on Saturday.
“The derby matches, when they come around, they are really enjoyable. Everybody in the town gets up for it and we usually take a really good following,” said the 33-year-old.
“The supporters get right behind us and over the years I’ve had some good memories in the local derbies, and after a bad result on Saturday, we really want to get back on it and get three points and get looking up the table again.
“To lose two games in 18 championship matches is a great record, but we are looking to create another little run and see if it can take us up the table.”
Gallagher still believes that North End are still capable of keeping the momentum going, as they look to finish in the top six of the Championship, he continued: “When I look around the changing room I see people that are hungry and want to win. The manager, the experienced lads, the staff, will be telling them now that this is a big push. It’s been a great season so far, but it could end up being a fantastic season by getting to the Play-Offs."
After a frustrating couple of weeks, Gallagher played 60 minutes in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Burnley at Turf Moor on Tuesday afternoon, and is hoping to push for a place in the side this weekend.
"It was disappointing to pick up a niggle in my hamstring, I was enjoying my football up to that point and then I got a little set back. I got 60 minutes on Tuesday in the game, it felt good and so I'm looking forward to being in contention to playing on Saturday and if I do, I will give my all as always.
"I've had good results in the local derbies so I know how to play in those games and how to come out victorious as well so I'm looking forward to it.
"All of the boys just want to get back out on the pitch as quickly as possible and put what was a bad performance last weekend behind them, and come out with a positive one this weekend.
Despite the midfielder being unavailable on the pitch in recent weeks, Gallagher has certainly continued to made an impact off it.
On his role off the pitch, Gallagher added: “I’ve always been a character and I've always been loud, but I know when to be loud and when to be serious. Even from a young age I’ve always tried helping people. Even older people who need somebody to talk to, I had a word with Louis Moult the other day about where to live and things like that.
“I feel we have got a few experienced players that if the other lads need an arm round them, then they can help them.
"On the other hand, sometimes you need to see them getting a little rocking, just to see If you can get a reaction out of them. Sometimes players sink or swim and luckily for us we've got a lot that go and swim.
"In this changing room, I'm sure come Saturday you will see a lot of fired up players going into the game.
"Being fired up you've got to be ready, you have to have a cool head and be disciplined, you want to go out there and put things right but you've got to play with your head as well as your heart."
Watch the full interview with Paul Gallagher on iFollow PNE now by clicking on the video above.