PRESTON look like they will have skipper Sean Gregan in their side for their Division One opener at pre-season relegation favourites Grimsby.

It was feared the influential midfielder would miss the first three games of the season after he was sent off against Glentoran in a pre season friendly.

But, although the referee sent a report to the English Football Association, manager David Moyes said yesterday: "We haven't yet heard anything so at the moment he's playing."

There's still no news about whether Sheffield Wednesday striker Richard Cresswell will be in the squad for the trip to Blundell Park.

A bid's been made for the striker and accepted but it's still not finalised and all Moyes could report was "no further developments."

And it's more frustrating because Icelandic forward Bjarki Gunnlaugsson is fighting to be fir for the opener as is £500,000 winger Iain Anderson.

"Bjarki hurt his groin in training so I'll have to have a word with Baz (the physio) to see how that is," explained Moyes. "And Iain has trained a bit but his thigh is tight." But there has been some good news on the striker front -- although it's one for the future -- as he's hoping to seal a deal with Bermudan international Steve Astwood.

The 18-year-old's been on trial at Deepdale over the last month and impressed.

"He is a raw talent but the deal is dependent on a medical and work permit so it's a case of wait and see although we are hopeful," admitted the Deepdale boss.

Defender Ryan Kidd is still out after a summer neck operation and another person definitely on the sidelines this Saturday will be defender Michael Jackson, suspended for three games following his sending off in the final game of the season at Cambridge.

"It's a blow but I think it is a bigger blow for Michael," said Moyes. " We are getting ready for the season, and everybody --players, management and fans -- are excited about it, and he is out of that just now."

Grimsby is perhaps not the most glamorous of places to start a new campaign but Moyes is wary.

"There are no easy games in the First Division as there weren't in the Second Division.

"We will set out to achieve what we did last year. Next year I want to be waiting to face Premiership sides. That is what our target is."

Squad: Moilanen, Lucas, Alexander, Cartwright, Murdoch, Edwards, Morgan, Ludden, Rankine, Gregan, McKenna, Robinson, Anderson, Appleton, Eyres, Parkinson, Basham, Macken, Gunlaugsson.