Defender Matt Hill is set to miss the opening week of North End's Championship campaign after failing to overcome his hamstring injury.

The left back is also expected to miss Monday's home clash against Derby County.

Manager Billy Davies said: "Matt is probably a week away from fitness. He isn't far off but it looks as though the first two games might come too quickly for him."

Overall, however, the injury picture at North End looks very good, with 21 players to choose from ahead of the opening game.

And Davies has revealed it will be performances in training ahead of Saturday's trip to Watford, which will decide who plays.

Two new names have arrived this week, anxious to impress ahead of the first match.

First in on Tuesday was 24-year-old Lewis Neal from Stoke City, on a swap deal, with defender Marlon Broomes going the other way.

Neal, who plays on the left wing, has come on a three year deal, helping fill the void left by Eddie Lewis.

Callum Davidson and Paul McKenna have both been playing on the left wing during pre-season, although both could be required in other positions on Saturday.

Davies said: "We've watched Lewis play many times and he has a tremendous left foot. He's a great crosser of the ball and he will give us balance on that left side."

Neal has played at Stoke since he was a trainee, and since 2000 has made 29 league starts. the second arival this week is David Jones from Manchester United. The 20-year-old has signed on a one year loan deal. He's described by United sources as a player with good vision who is comfortable using either foot. Davies intends to use him in the centre of midfield, a position dominated last season by McKenna and Brian O'Neil, with Dickson Etuhu providing regular back-up.

l Young midfielder Alan McCormack has been sent on loan to Motherwell until January.