Joe Royle was delighted with the performance against Preston and felt that Town were well worth the three goal victory.

Goals from Shefki Kuqi, Tommy Miller and Darren Bent took Blues to second place in the table and Joe said: "It's a nice boost to be up in second place again and I felt we were outstanding.

"I'm told we had 22 attempts at goal and that is one every four minutes but it has always been that way here, we have always looked to take the game to the opposition in the two years I have been in charge.

"We could and should have had more than the three goals, we hit the post, had a possible penalty and had one cleared off the line.

"I thought 3-0 flattered them and at times our football was outstanding. Our 'keeper didn't have much to do and overall I'm delighted with the performance."

Preston boss Billy Davies was not so happy and reckoned Shefki's goal should not have stood, saying: "It was handball. It was clear their player knocked the ball on with his arm and I can't believe the officials didn't see it."