Rooney looking to bounce back at home

After two away games that yielded no goals and no points, Argyle Head Coach Wayne Rooney and his squad will be happy to be back at Home Park this Saturday, as they meet Preston North End.  

Despite losing at Cardiff City and Millwall this week, Argyle have won their last three home fixtures, and will be hoping to make it four, in a game that takes place only two-and-a-half days after their game at Millwall ended.  

The quick return to action, though, does not faze Rooney.  

“When you lose a game of football, you want the next game to come as quickly as possible,” he said. “It’s a quick turnaround, but I'm looking forward to the game back at Home Park. Hopefully we can get a positive result.  

“We've had a difficult week; there's no denying that. I think coming back after the international break, it’s two away games and two poor results from our point of view. It's important we stop that, and we get back on track.  

“We started preparing straight after the game on Wednesday night. We were on the bus preparing to go into the Preston game. The players know now how we want to play; the style of play and how we want to press is maybe different from game to game, but I think the players have a really good understanding of what we're trying to do. Whatever team is selected, it’s about them going out there and putting a good performance in.” 

Preston are a side with a very similar record to Argyle’s this season. PNE have three more points than the Greens, thanks to four home wins, but like Argyle they have just one point on the road. 

Paul Heckingbottom’s side come into the game unbeaten in four, having won and drawn two, with three of those games played at home.   

“Preston are a good team; it'll be a difficult game,” said Rooney, “but it's a good opportunity for us to go and try and get three points against a good opposition. 

“Preston, historically, in this league, have been a very functional team. With the new manager coming in, they're trying to play a bit more. They've got some good energy in the team. They're very aggressive out of possession.   

“We know exactly what they're going to come here and try and do. It's about us being able to handle that, cope with that, but also implement our game. I feel if we do that, we've got the right players on the pitch to try to win it. 

“We’re delighted to be back at home. I'm sure the fans will be right behind us. Hopefully we can give them a good performance and a good result.”