THIS is the man Preston must fear on Saturday (November 25) when they travel to take on high-riding West Brom.

Lee Hughes is the name. And although there may not be a lot of him -- 5ft 10ins and 11st 7lbs -- there is plenty to worry the North End defence.

Hughes' job is scoring goals. And it's a job he relishes.

Already this season he has blasted 11 goals in just 16 games and last Saturday he showed he is on the top of his form with a superb hat-trick against Gillingham.

The third goal was a classic. Portuguese midfielder Jordac charged through the middle and his pass found Hughes unmarked. It would have been a simple enough job to crack the ball into the netting, but he showed an effortless ease as he dribbled his way smoothly round 'keeper Bartram before stroking the ball gently into the back of the empty net. The goal had "style" written all over it.

It's little wonder that Hughes is now rated in the £5 million class and attracting the attention of several Premiership clubs.

The 24-year-old cost just £200,000 when he was signed from Kidderminster Harriers in May 1997 and he has been smacking in the goals regularly. He hit 32 in the 98-99 season and was West Brom's leading scorer last season.

The Birmingham-born ginger-haired striker -- his accent is thicker than Jasper Carrott's -- has formed a prolific partnership with Jason Roberts who returns from suspension in time to face Preston.

Hughes said: "We're in good form and working well together."

It's a formidable partnership which has taken West Brom alongside North End on the heels of the Premiership-chasers. But there's no doubt that Hughes is the Danger Man who is just rarin' to fire a broadside into Preston's promotion hopes.

"Come on North End, give 'em Watfor!" was The Citizen rallying call last week. Here's another plea: Watch that man Hughes!