LEE Cartwright has been ordered to take it easy amid fears he could be out of action for longer than first thought.

But Sean Gregan and Michael Jackson could both figure in this weekend's league match -- North End's first of the new year.

Preston travel down to Walsall in a bid to repeat their post-Christmas success of last season.

Like this year, North End suffered an enforced break over the festive period, and it did them the power of good, eventually landing them a spot in the play-off finals at Cardiff.

But Preston's injury problems are far from over -- and the main problems seem to be around midfield.

Cartwright is definitely out of the match, with boss David Moyes ordering his player to take it easy until his shin splints are cured. Cartwright had attempted to play through the problem.

And Mark Rankine has been ruled out for at least a month after he was confirmed to have broken his foot.

In the last two years, reliable Rankine has missed just nine league outings, but with the current fixture pile-up, that record could have doubled by the time he returns.

Any chance of putting out a recognisable midfield against Walsall now rests on the shoulders of skipper Sean Gregan, who has been out since Boxing Day.

He missed North End's trip north of the border this week to concentrate on getting in shape for Saturday's game.

Included in the trip was a behind doors match against Rangers, which centre back Michael Jackson also took part in.

It was his first game since late October, boosting hopes he may at least make the bench -- thus providing vital cover -- when North End hit the Bescot Stadium.

And there was something of a first for Jon Macken too -- he hit the back of the net for the first time in months against Rangers.

Healy also bagged one, providing Moyes with fresh options up front.

Richard Cresswell will also be pushing for a start after coming off the bench against Wimbledon.

Walsall, however, could prove a tricky side to beat. Their victory over Bradford in the FA Cup will have given them new optimism at a time when they had been floundering around at the wrong end of Division One.