PRESTON North End, ready to smash their transfer record in a move for Cambridge defender Jody Craddock, visit Watford tonight still seeking an away point this season.

But the injury-ravaged Deepdale side go to Vicarage Road boosted by last Saturday's excellent win over high-flying Second Division outfit Millwall and the news that current record buy Gary Bennett could be set to return.

Bennett played-and scored-in a junior match last weekend and the £200,000 capture from Tranmere could make his first start since last season.

Whether manager Gary Peters will decide to pick him is another matter.

Peters was impressed with the partnership of Michael Holt and Andy Saville in the win over Millwall-both scored and seem set to continue up front.

North End had one £750,000 bid for young Craddock rejected by Cambridge, but they are considering a new offer while Peters has also held talks with Luton's former Crystal Palace defendr Darren Patterson.

Meanwhile former Sunderland full back John Kay, who had a trial spell at Deepdale, has left to join Third Division Scarborough.

Preston's recent £100,000 recruit from Wolves, Mark Rankine, who missed Saturday's game with hamstring problems, faces a late fitness check.

Squad: Mimms, Squires, Ashcroft, Wilcox, Kidd, Davey, Bryson, Saville, Holt, Kilbane, Atkinson, McDonald, Moyes, Bennett, Rankine.

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