RICHARD Cresswell is set to provide PNE fans with a Christmas boost by recovering from his injury more quickly than anticipated.

The sharp-shooting striker pulled a hamstring in the opening minutes of North End's lop-sided defeat against Burnley a fortnight ago.

It had been feared he would injured until the New Year, but it appears the decision by manager David Moyes to bring the forward off straight away rather than letting him play on is paying dividends.

Moyes said: "The injury is not as bad as we first feared but we'll have to watch him to see how he does. It is not an injury he has had before."

Cresswell's injury has left Moyes short of cover up front. With Kevin Gallacher still out, David Healy and Jon Macken are the first choice pairing, with the latter not on form at the moment.

Steve Basham is also nearing a full return.

At the other end of the field, Preston are desperatley short of keeper cover. Keeper David Lucas is still standing in for Tepi, who suffered a thigh injury in November.

But although he still can't kick, the Finn has been forced to return to the bench after local lad Andrew Lonergan collected a knee injury which could require surgery.

This weekend, North End will be looking to avenge their defeat over Grimsby earlier in the season.

The game came during their disasterous start to the season but the result was not down to poor performance, more a poor linesman who just didn't seem to be able to read the game at all.

Saturday's defeat away at Rotherham has sent North End down to ninth in the league, making the Christmas run all the more important for the club's promotion hopes.

A win could take North End sixth - but even then they would have a three point gap at best to catch up to their rivals.