Preston North End have endured a recent upturn of form that has seen them emerge as late play-off contenders. 

The Lilywhites are one of the most dangerous teams in the Championship at this moment in time, and they will be hoping that they can build on some recent impressive displays.

One man that has been at the heart of their good run of recent form is Sean Maguire, who's goals have seen them rise up the table at a rapid rate.

The 24-year-old wasn't a regular starter at the start of this year's campaign, but since being deployed in his natural striker role, he hasn't looked back.

The Irishman's work often goes unnoticed as he isn't a striker that will score you 20 goals a season, but he makes his contributions elsewhere on the pitch.

Maguire has two goals and three assists to his name so far this season, and will be key to firing Preston into the top six, and they'll need him to be at the top of his game.

He will know that he has a significant role to play in this team, and if he isn't on form, then Preston are not on form, so that speaks volumes about his influence in Alex Neil's side.

Preston are now eight league games unbeaten, and are just six points adrift of the play-off places, with a top six finish certainly achievable for the Lilywhites.

They have made a similar run towards the play-offs before, but fell short in their bid to reach the top six, so they won't be wanting a repeat of that this season.

On his day, Maguire is a defenders nightmare, and he'll be hoping to build on some impressive recent performances, and to keep Preston heading into the right direction as the season draws to it's conclusion, with just 12 games left for Alex Neil's men.