Preston North End goalkeeper Declan Rudd has suggested that the Lilywhites' centre-back pairing of Patrick Bauer and Ben Davies have been key to Alex Neil's side strong start to the season, following their display in Tuesday's 1-1 draw at Middlesbrough.

Rudd has enjoyed a good personal start to the campaign in Preston's goal, managing to record three Championship clean sheets so far this campaign and helping the Lilywhites go on a seven-match unbeaten run in the league to climb up into the play-off places.

Key to that has been the form of both Bauer and Davies at the heart of Neil's side's defence, and the pair were in fine form on Tuesday at the Riverside, as they helped to keep Middlesbrough at bay with some excellent blocks, headers and clearances at times to help relieve some pressure when the hosts were on top for spells in the game.

Considering that this is a new centre-back pairing for Preston at the start of the season, with Bauer arriving from Charlton Athletic in the summer, Neil's side have not looked exposed at the heart of their defence with both players forming an encouraging partnership.

Speaking to the Lancashire Post following Tuesday's draw against Middlesbrough, Rudd was keen to praise both Bauer and Davies for their performances, saying: "The big German doesn’t mess about does he?

"I’ve always said to him to defend first and play football second. Pat does that, he puts his body on the line.

"Ben has been excellent alongside him. On Tuesday he made two blocks that won us a point.

"Pat was different class and it’s great to play behind him and Ben – they’ve done well."

The Verdict

Rudd's praise for both Bauer and Davies highlights the strong unity that Neil has created at Preston so far this campaign, which could be vital for the club to maintain a promotion challenge, and the partnership that he has formed already with his centre-half pairing will only get stronger as they play more games together.

That is very promising for Preston because as has already been demonstrated Bauer and Davies already appear to have an effective understanding of their games, and Rudd having previously played with Bauer at Charlton will be fully aware of his strengths and areas he can maybe improve.

Preston will be aiming to start recording a few more clean sheets in the coming weeks, and as the relationship between Rudd, Bauer and Davies grows through playing more games together that is something which Neil's side should be able to start achieving in the coming weeks.