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Brown fighting to be fit for opener
All-action No.9 Chris Brown is fighting to be fit for Preston North End's Championship opener against Ipswich Town on Saturday.
Brown has not featured since suffering an ankle injury in the 1-0 friendly defeat to Everton at Deepdale last month.
But manager Alan Irvine indicated that Brown could be ready for the marathon trip to Suffolk, where he looks set to spearhead North End's attack at Portman Road.
Irvine said: "I'd be very disappointed if Chris is not in contention for Ipswich.
"He has made good progress in the last 48 hours and was close to making the squad at Crewe last weekend.
"However, I thought it wise not to risk him because there is no point in taking chances at this stage.
"He hurt his ankle in the Everton friendly and since then he's had a little bit of pain in a hamstring and in his hip.
"It is nothing major, though, and hopefully he'll be okay."
>> Click here to listen to our PNE pre-season special podcast featuring Barry Nicholson, Callum Davidson, Paul McKenna, Matt Hill and Chris Sedgwick.
Brown, a 400,000 capture last term, admits he can't wait to team up with ex-Sunderland team-mate Ross Wallace.
The pair were together at the Stadium of Light for a short spell and Brown was hugely impressed with Wallace, who has signed a season-long loan deal and made his Lilywhites debut in the 2-0 win at Crewe.
Brown said: "He's brilliant at getting at defenders and whipping the ball in, and he will be an excellent signing.
"He's the sort of player who excites the fans and I'm sure our supporters will love his style of play."
Irvine admits he is exploring all options in the transfer market as he bids to strengthen his squad further.
Related stories:
>> North End appoint new keeper coach
>> Left back throws down gauntlet
>> Callum has realistic targets
>> PNE models look the part
>> Nicholls leaves with head held high
>> Match report: Crewe 0 Preston North End 2
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Weather for Preston
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light sleet
Temperature: 2 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 0 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
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