MARC Pugh is vowing to keep playing through the pain barrier and is determined to help Cherries haul themselves away from the League One drop zone.

Leading goalscorer Pugh, who has netted seven times this season, has been in inspirational form recently despite being troubled by “a couple of niggles”.

The 24-year-old Lancastrian tomorrow returns to his roots when Cherries put their five-match unbeaten away record on the line at Preston North End (3pm).

Pugh has had an exemplary attendance record since joining Cherries, the gifted winger having been available for 68 out of 71 games following his move from Hereford.

Pugh told the Echo: “I’ve had a couple of niggles for the past few weeks. They settle down with a bit of rest but, when we are playing Saturday-Tuesday, they don’t have as much time.

“I am working through it and trying to give my best for the team. It is a long season and you are not going to feel 100 per cent in every game.

“I would like to think I have done well and am feeling confident. Hopefully, we can start pushing up the table.”

Pugh has been one of Cherries’ most consistent performers during an indifferent start to their campaign with Lee Bradbury’s men currently fourth from bottom.

He added: “There have been a couple of games where we have been really poor and slipped below our standards and, on other occasions, we have played really well but haven’t had the rub of the green.

“As players, we have got to step up to the plate. We know we are good enough and have got to show belief. Preston is going to be another tough one but these are the games you want to be involved in. If we perform like we did against Colchester, there is no reason why we can’t get a win.

“Deepdale is a great stadium and the pitch is excellent. You need to get on the ball on these big stages because there is no hiding place. I am sure the lads will be champing at the bit to go again.”

Pugh, who will have a number of family and friends among the crowd, added: “I have played a lot of reserve games at Deepdale but never a first-team game. I am looking forward to going back north and it would be nice to score my eighth goal of the season there.

“Preston haven’t had a great start. But they have got some really good players and Neil Mellor did very well in this division with Sheffield Wednesday last season so is going to be a threat. They have got a lot of talented players and so have we. We are playing well away from home and need to keep it going.”