FA Cup goal hero Chris Sedgwick believes North End are firing on all cylinders once again after finally getting over their play-off hangover.

North End return to league action this weekend, sitting just inside the top six and with a fourth round FA Cup tie at home to Crystal Palace confirmed this week.

Their appearance in the fourth round is down to Sedgwick's late strike against Crewe at the weekend, something the former Rotherham midfielder puts down to his returning confidence.

Sedgwick told the club's website: "I feel like I've really got back into it in the last 10 games, and I am enjoying it again. The fact the team is playing well obviously helps.

"I think the problem for us was that we had a bit of a hangover from last season and I didn't get going in my first few matches. My form wasn't there and I was playing well below the standards I set for myself."

The arrival of Bury midfielder Simon Whaley at the weekend on a four-and-a-half-year deal should provide competition for Sedgwick, once other midfield players return from injury.

Sedgwick would appear to be a possible candidate for an emergency central midfield role - North End currently don't have a single first-choice central player available.

Graham Alexander and Callum Davidson have been filling in there since the departure of David Jones back to Manchester United, the leg break to Adam Nowland by the also now departed Dickson Etuhu, and injury to Paul McKenna and Brian O'Neil.

Sedgwick added: "Competition is always healthy because it keeps everyone on their toes.

"When you've got someone breathing down your neck, you've got to keep producing the goods."