Preston boss Alex Neil has midfield dilemma ahead of Derby clash

The 22-year-old sits out the visit to Pride Park (7.45pm) as he is serving a one-match ban for his red card at Leeds.While PNE boss Neil has options to come into midfield, they are not in the same mould as the combative Pearson.

Neil told the Post: “We have got options but I don’t think we have got a natural sitter like Ben is.

“That is one weak area we have in terms of cover, that is a bit frustrating and we need to try and address that if we can.

“We are going to miss Ben, he is a big player for us, but equally it gives someone else the opportunity to come in and show what they can do.

“I have got a lot of lads who are really determined and hungry to get into the team and play well.

“Ben does what Ben does, anyone who goes into that role or a different one if I adjust the shape slightly, will play their own game.

“I will tell them to enjoy the match, show me and everyone else what they are capable of.”

At this stage, John Welsh is not an option to come into the side as he builds up his fitness after a long-term calf injury.

His style is probably the nearest to that of Pearson but he is still on the comeback trail. Said Neil: “Welshy is not ready yet, he has had a really frustrating time over the last year or so with his calf.

“He is doing fine, but at the moment is nowhere near ready – he’s not able to train regularly yet.”

Tom Barkhuizen and Alan Browne are expected to be fit tonight after both came off at Leeds with cramp.

“They just ran themselves into the ground, had nothing left,” said Neil.

“Both lads took cramp from head to toe because of the amount of ground they covered.”

Browne’s availability could be key, with him a candidate to play Pearson’s role after being further forward at Leeds.

The midfielder was one of four North End players named in a provisional Republic of Ireland squad for next month’s World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Serbia.

Also included were Greg Cunningham, Sean Maguire and Daryl Horgan.