The No 9 missed last week's defeat to Barnsley because of a thigh strain but has proved his fitness in training ahead of the long haul to Home Park.

His return will come as a big relief to Alan Irvine who was down to only two strikers for Barnsley's visit, and watched his side lack a cutting edge in the 2-1 reverse.

Brown looks likely to link up with Neil Mellor up front, with Karl Hawley dropping down to the bench after making his first start in eight games last week.

Irvine is pleased to have Brown available again as the 23-year-old has made a big impact at Deepdale since his £325,000 arrival from Norwich in January.

>> Carter hails North End's turnaround

The PNE boss told the Lancashire Evening Post: "Chris trained on Wednesday and again on Thursday and, all being well, was joining in Friday's session.

"He is an important player for us, although Chris would be the first to say it has been a fantastic team effort for us to climb the table rather than it being about one individual.

"I think signing Chris was a brilliant piece of business.

"We knew a lot about him when we made our move – he gives defenders a hard time and has a great touch.

"Of course there are areas he needs to improve on, but Chris is a good lad and is willing to put in the work to do that. It will be good to have him back, we want all our players available so that we've got plenty of competition in all areas."

North End head to Devon with Irvine demanding a strong finish to the campaign from his players, with the threat of relegation almost banished.

He thinks picking up points against Plymouth, at home to Ipswich next week and then at Bristol City on the final day can be used as a springboard for next season.

Irvine said: "I see these as three big games and we want to do well in them all.

"I would be really disappointed if we finished the season on 54 points after the good run we've been on recently.

"When I set the 54-point target, I did expect it would have taken us until the last game to achieve it, but we achieved it sooner which is pleasing.

"I don't want us to rest on our laurels now and I know this set of players is determined to push on and do more."

"There's been absolutely no indication from the players that they are ready to pack it in and say 'job done'.

"The lads are desperate to finish on a high – 2007 was a really poor year for the club but 2008 has been a lot better.

"We want to continue that and hopefully carry some good form into the start of next season.

"There's no guarantee it will happen, the new season can bring changes, but it will be better for the lads to go into the summer break feeling good about themselves rather than bad."

For the full story, read Friday's Lancashire Evening Post.