PRESTON'S players have been ordered to stay out of the referee's little book this season as Craig Brown strives to reduce the chances of any promotion push being derailed.

Along with injuries and a string of poor performances over last Christmas, the 2002/2003 campaign -- Brown's first in charge at Deepdale -- was blighted by bookings.

And with five bookings equalling a match ban, Brown is determined that his players should do all they can to avoid the referee's cards.

Just one North End player has been booked in the club's opening two games, and that was Michael Jackson during Tuesday's cup defeat against Notts County.

Despite being victim to several poor refereeing decisions on Saturday against West Ham, North End managed to keep clear of Paul Danson's book.

Brown said: "That was one pleasing aspect from Saturday, along with the fact there were no major injuries.

"Last season cautions built up to suspensions later in the season and that is something we must avoid.

"The lads are aware of their responsibility in this regard, and, hopefully, we'll keep clear of suspensions this season."

Brown has also ordered extra shooting practice ahead of Saturday's local derby against Wigan at the JJB Stadium.

The squad will also be sharpening up their crossing, with Brown saying: "Much of play has been sound in quality but many of our deliveries in the West Ham fame were not accurate enough.

"Graham Alexander's to Eddie Lewis for our goal was but the ones after weren't.

"The pleasing thing was that we got into good positions, but the final pass wasn't as sharp as it could have been."

Brown could also be tempted to tinker with the formation ahead of Saturday's match.

With Jamaican centre-half Claude Davies now eligible to play for Preston following the arrival of his residency papers, Brown could be tempted to play him alongside Chris Lucketti and Michael Jackson as a three-man defence.

Rob Edwards, at left-back, came off injured during extra-time on Tuesday, and that could make the possibility of changing formations more likely.

A three-man defence would give North End more options in midfield, where only Paul McKenna is doubtful for Saturday. Eric Skora, Dickson Etuhu and Michael Keane all played well on Tuesday, while Eddie Lewis is set to return after being rested for the cup game.