SKIPPER Sean Gregan misses tonight's game at Millwall - and he knows full well he may struggle to get his place in the team back.

With 10 yellow cards to his name this season, Gregan misses tonight's game and the home clash against Rotherham.

And while he has had little difficulty reclaiming his place in the past, new faces and improved performances mean that he may be out for even longer.

The midfield powerhouse admits it is a thought which worries him, but one he is prepared to stomach if it is in the best interests of the team.

He said: "It is hard sitting out of any game, but when they are so important it is really bad.

"I only have myself to blame thought.

"Hopefully the lads can get two wins and if I can't get my place back in the side because they have done so well then so be it.

"The success of the team is more important than the success of the individual.

"I have felt as though I have come into a bit of form of late, but it is more important to get results at the moment."

Until recently, it would have been expected that Gregan could drop back into the centre-half role if the midfield is full.

But with the arrival of Colin Hendry at the weekend alongside Chris Lucketti, boss David Moyes has the strongest defensive line-up he has had for quite a while.

And in midfield, Dickson Etuhu, Thordor Gudjonsson, Paul McKenna and Michael Keane have all been enjoying their football.

But Gregan's return to the team sheet will probably happen sooner rather than later, thanks to Moyes' determination to protect his younger players.

He said: "We have a lot of young players here and they sometimes need a break.

"That is the case with David Healy at the moment and although Michael Keane has been playing well, we don't want to push him.

"Dickson will probably need a break soon, although he is getting better with every match he plays."

A win could catapult North End into the playoffs - although at best Millwall will stay two points clear of them. They currently lie in fourth.