Boss Mick McCarthy spoke about the defeat to Preston after conceding a hotly disputed penalty for the second game in succession. Jody Craddock was adjudged to have brought down Preston's Chris Brown in the 53rd minute.

"Opposing managers often bemoan their luck after a defeat. But, I've seen the replay a number of times and it clearly wasn't a penalty. It completely changed the game and Preston went on from there.

"Their winner was bad defending by us, despite it being a great strike by Whaley.

"We performed okay but it doesn't matter because we lost the game. After going one nil up, it was an opportunity missed.

"It's been the story of our season that we haven't taken our chances and scored enough goals. We had the best two chances of the first half, and we didn't take them."

Asked about the change in formation at half time, Mick said: "The change in personnel was forced on us, but not the change in formation. Dave Edwards had to come off with a groin injury. I decided to change to 4-4-2 to try and win the game.

"I am fully aware of where we are in the league table. But it doesn't help us to get wrapped up in that.

"We have to turn our attention to the Burnley game and go there and try and get the three points," concluded Mick.

Kevin Kyle and Freddy Eastwood are both suffering from sickness and didn't make the trip to Preston.

Im honest with football and ill say the truth even if it hurts but no way on earth was that a peno he clearly dived over the ball