PRESTON boss Craig Brown is confident his side can continue their winning ways - despite an enforced break, and he the outlook for PNE has been boosted by the expected return to fitness of midfield dynamo Paul McKenna.

Wolverhampton Wanderers come to Deepdale on Saturday, with Preston hoping that league positions will mean little.

Seven points from three games is North End's current run of form, but Brown is hoping to make it 10 from 12.

Brown said: "We were getting together a good run, and it is a shame that we had the break.

"But we have carried on working hard and the spirit is very good at the moment.

"We have shown we can play exceptionally well and have nothing to fear."

Although North End have won the last two games, their league position hasn't changed. Should things go their way at the weekend, the climb up the league table should begin in earnest.

It is the midfield which has appeared to have the biggest resurgence in recent weeks following the arrival of Brian O'Neil. But his partnership with Dickson Etuhu, who also had a good game during the last outing, could be a short-lived one.

A training ground injury is making Etuhu doubtful for Saturday, although Paul McKenna should be fit once again.

Brown, meanwhile, has admitted that while he would love to keep David Healy, currently on loan at Norwich, if the Canaries come in with a bid, it will be up to the board to decide if he goes.

"It was never in my mind that he would not return," said Brown. "But if a bid is made, it is out of my hands."

Tepi Moilanen has also been told he has a Deepdale future. Currently on loan in Scotland after a poor run at Deepdale, the big Fin had predicted his career at Deepdale was over.

But speaking about Tepi, as well as other loan players Andrew Lonergan and Adam Eaton, Brown said: "I would love for them all to come back."

The rearranged game against Burnley - due to be next Tuesday - has been postponed again because Burnley are due to replay Fulham in the FA Cup.