Preston manager Alan Irvine insists he has faith in his North End players to maintain their fitness levels throughout the summer.Irvine inspired an impressive sequence of results in the closing weeks of the season to stave off the threat of relegation.

He is expecting his men to be competing at the top end of the table next term and is confident they will return for pre-season training in good shape.

Irvine said: "I had a chat with them, just to run over a couple of things that I feel are important between now and July 1.

"For me it's best to simply send them away, put the responsibility on their shoulders, and tell them to look after themselves properly during the summer.

"They need a rest - mentally and physically - and if they can have that rest and look after themselves at the same time then that is perfect."

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