Preston battled to a hard-earned point against Millwall at the Den last night but it very nearly ended in victory for the away side, with Ben Whiteman missing a penalty.

The Lilywhites stood firm all game and tried to grind out a result against the Lions and whilst Gary Rowett's men huffed and puffed, it was nearly PNE who snatched the victory.

After Andrew Hughes was pulled to the ground by Shaun Hutchinson, up stepped Whiteman to try and tuck the ball away. In the absence of Daniel Johnson - who is Preston's usual spot-kick taker - it was the former Doncaster man who was entrusted to put the ball in the back of the net.

The midfielder though was unlucky to see his effort deflect back off the post and despite some late chances to try and create a goalscoring opportunity from both sides, the game ended in a stalemate.

It was probably a fair result for both teams involved - but what did we learn about PNE from the draw?

1. Brad Potts may be a better right wing-back than midfielder

Brad Potts has been criticised at times by members of the North End faithful but that isn't to say he has been an awful player by any means. Even when he was continuing to feature in his favoured position in midfielder or attacking midfield, he put in some solid work.

There has been no question he runs tirelessly and will put in a shift for the Lilywhites but since being thrown out onto the right by new boss Ryan Lowe, he has looked, arguably, better than ever.

In their last game against Bristol City, it was his incredible work right at the end of the game to help PNE equalise. Last night against Millwall, he was up and down the flank for most of the game and while he may not have had as much success as normal, he still looked at home on the flank.

Some fans have clamoured for a new wing-back signing on the right and while it will be a priority at some point, for now Brad Potts seems to be doing just fine there for his club.

2. Ali McCann deserves a place in the side - even when Daniel Johnson returns

Ali McCann has found himself sat on the bench in recent weeks, with the likes of Alan Browne, Daniel Johnson and Ryan Ledson all preferred to him in the middle of the field.

With Johnson on international duty at the moment though, it has opened up more chance for the Northern Ireland player to feature in the squad and when given the chance to do so he has shone.

Last night, he was one of Preston's most lively players, putting in a shift both defensively and offensively. He won more duels than anyone else on the field with eight and was also fouled the most as Millwall struggled to stop him.

McCann will likely struggle for action again upon the return of Johnson, with five players all vying for three midfield spots. It will certainly be a hard one for Ryan Lowe to decide but based on these showings, he should be featuring either alongside Ben Whiteman in the middle or even in DJ's role - at least for now.

3. Liam Lindsay can be an okay option in rotation

While not a guaranteed starter under Ryan Lowe, especially when Patrick Bauer is available, Lindsay proved last night that he can be an okay option either in rotation or when needed.

When he was announced in the lineup, some North End fans weren't too pleased but he put in a shift last night and looked like he could hold his own against Millwall. He kept a clean sheet, put in some decent tackles and even stopped a Lions' volley that was destined for the net.

While he might not be able to offer as much in terms of balls forward - there were a few wayward ones last night - his display at the back defensively was solid. Whilst he might not hold onto a starting berth when Patrick Bauer is fit, he can at least provide an option if any of the back three need a rest.