Five-star dilemma for PNE boss

Eoin Doyle is one of five players on loan at Preston

The loans of Eoin Doyle, Anders Lindegaard, Callum Robinson, Marnick Vermijl and Adam Reach, finished after Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Leeds United.

All with the exception of the injured Lindegaard, featured against Leeds.

“We will sit down with them and their parent clubs in due course,” said North End manager Grayson.

“They are other clubs’ players so we are in their hands with these lads.

“There will be players, either on loan or contracted to us, who will leave the club and others will come in.

“We are always working towards improving things – that is an ongoing process.

“The loan players have played a significant part this season and it has been good to have them here.”

Reach has featured most frequently of the loan players, making 36 starts since joining from Middlesbrough at the end of September.

He scored four goals and was used in a variety of roles, his versatility catching the eye.

The 23-year-old spoke during the season of still having a future at Boro and their promotion to the Premier League might make it harder to lure him away.

Vermijl made 23 starts in league and cup, together with nine more appearances from the bench.

Signed on the eve of the campaign from Sheffield Wednesday on a season-long loan, he steadily improved and enjoyed a purple patch of form in December and early January.

After having to play second fiddle to Calum Woods for a couple of months, Vermijl forced his way back into contention in April.

Doyle, who joined from Cardiff City at the end of the summer transfer window, netted four goals in 16 starts and 13 sub appearances.

Cardiff are prepared to let him leave in the summer but would want a fee.

Robinson featured mainly from the bench in what was his third loan spell with North End from Aston Villa.

He scored in successive games against Charlton and Cardiff in February.

Danish keeper Lindegaard played 14 games before a shoulder injury brought his season to a premature end.

The 32-year-old was among five keepers used by Preston during the season.

Grayson, who met with his squad yesterday for a debrief before the summer break, has his eye on a number of targets ahead of next season.

He said: “We have wish lists coming out of everywhere.

“We will be trying to work very quickly to get a few things wrapped up but some details will take a while to conclude.

“It is about progression as a football club and we want to take the next step in this division.

“You have to look to improve every season if you can and we want to do that.”