Preston North End midfielder John Welsh has admitted that he is relishing the chance to compete against the best the Championship has to offer.

The 31-year-old played a key part for the Lilywhites as they marked their return to the second tier with a well-earned point against Middlesbrough.

Welsh stifled the attacking threat of new Boro signing Stewart Downing, on an afternoon that saw the Smoggies fail to register a single shot on goal.

"It is tough against very good players who have played at the highest levels," the former Liverpool man is quoted as saying by the club's official website.

"I played against Stewart when we were younger, so I know what he is about and how good his left foot is. I had to get tight and sometimes you have to put your foot in and win the ball and occasionally you might end up kicking people, but that's the side of the game I enjoy.

"There is a great team ethic amongst the lads and we just need to keep that going for the season, and the quality of the forward players will come through. Once we merge both sides of the game, then we will be a force to be reckoned with."

Preston face Crewe Alexandra in the opening round of the League Cup in their next outing.