Worry over Gregan as Deepdale boys face the crunch

The South coast team rammed three past North End earlier this season during one of Preston's more disappointing away performances.

And with Bournemouth flying almost as high as the seagulls on their beaches, North End will have their work cut out to secure the points.

Manager David Moyes is keeping his finger crossed that Gregan won't join the long-term injury list following the skipper's early departure from Burnley last Sunday with a knee knock.

Moyes is quick to admit that losing Gregan would be a bitter blow.

He said: "Sean has seen a specialist just to get it checked out but we already think there is no serious damage.

"We won't know for sure until the specialist has given his verdict."

Striker Steve Basham has complained of sore calf muscles but he is expected to train.

Gary Parkinson, Ryan Kidd and Lee Cartwright are all out and no-one at the club can say when any of them will be back in training.

A true indication of the problem can be noted by the fact that Gregan's substitute on Sunday was Michael Appleton who has only just reached match fitness after suffering a complex ankle injury.

Moyes added that just as training was important to keep the squad on the ball, getting enough rest was also a priority - hence the two day rest his players enjoyed at the start of this week.

He said: "The lads deserved a break after Sunday's win and it does them good to be apart for a couple of days, especially when we have such big games ahead of us."

Meanwhile, with just days to go until the tranfer deadline, Deepdale is keeping quiet on any possible wheelings and dealings.

Moyes may make a last-minute transfer attempt to surprise us all but, on the other hand, he may keep faith with a squad he has transformed from relegation candidates to promotion hopefuls in just a few months.

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