And battered defenders Sean St Ledger and Billy Jones are ready to put their heads on the line as North End get back to Championship action after their Carling Cup disappointment in midweek.

Davidson trained with the PNE squad yesterday and, barring a reaction today, is expected to return at left-back just in time to resume his Scotland career after a six-year gap.

Centre-half St Ledger and right-back Jones will ignore facial injuries from Tuesday's tie to play on against the Addicks.

St Ledger broke his nose against Derby and Jones had four stitches under his left eye.

But manager Alan Irvine told the Evening Post: "Things like that won't keep those two out. They look like proper defenders now – they'll be fine."

Davidson will be anxious lightning does not strike twice after his long-awaited international return was scuppered a fortnight ago by injury.

The 32-year-old had just been recalled by George Burley for a friendly against Northern Ireland when he twisted his knee against Crystal Palace and had to pull out of the squad.

"Fingers crossed he will be okay to join up with the squad this time," said Irvine.

"We are just waiting to see how he is in training today. If there has been no reaction to what he did yesterday then he will be eligible for selection against Charlton."

Tomorrow's fixture is a re-run of Irvine's first match in charge of North End.

Alan Pardew's side visited Deepdale in November last year and left with all three points.

"It was a big occasion for me – my first game as a boss," he recalled. "The result was disappointing, but things have improved significantly since that day.

"Having said that, Charlton will be a tough test – just as they were last season.

"They had a really good win against Reading last week. We have watched it and they played very well. They were full value for the win.

"They are a good team, they have got a lot of good individuals, some good pace and some very dangerous players.

"They have got quality through the team and it will be a really hard game. But we are a good team as well, as our start to the season has shown."

For full story see Friday's Lancashire Evening Post