Alex Neil considers his options to replace banned Tom Barkhuizen for Preston North End’s trip to Brentford

Alex Neil admits the loss of Tom Barkhuizen for Preston’s trip to Brentford is a blow but his role is quite well covered in the squad.
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Barkhuizen has to sit out Sunday’s clash (2pm), the legacy of his red card against Stoke last week.

He has been a go-to player for Neil, making 127 appearances in the Championship during the manager’s time in charge. So the big decision for Neil is how to replace him for the game at Brentford’s new ground.

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If international clearance comes through in time, Emil Riis Jakobsen who was signed last night from Danish club Randers, could start up front and the forward line get a reshuffle.

Josh Harrop (above) is one of the options for PNE boss Alex Neil as he looks to replace the suspended Tom BarkhuizenJosh Harrop (above) is one of the options for PNE boss Alex Neil as he looks to replace the suspended Tom Barkhuizen
Josh Harrop (above) is one of the options for PNE boss Alex Neil as he looks to replace the suspended Tom Barkhuizen

Josh Harrop, Brad Potts and Billy Bodin are all options to operate in wide areas.

If PNE could get Daniel Johnson back on to the pitch too, that is something else for Neil to consider.

Neil said: “Tom has been a key element for me since I have been here.

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“He’s scored two great goals for us already this season, he carries that threat in terms of a goal.

“Tom can trigger the press, run in behind, he helps us do a lot of things.

“Naturally when you have got a player like that missing, it is a blow.

“It creates the opportunity for someone else to come in and have a go.

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“We’ve got some good players waiting for their chance and you want them to take it.”

Barkhuizen was sent off in the first half against Stoke for a challenge on Morgan Fox.

PNE were unsuccessful in their appeal to the FA against the red card but did get his suspension cut from three games to one.

Elsewhere on the selection front, Neil will again be without Darnell Fisher who has a hamstring injury.

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Whether Johnson makes it back after a three games out with a groin injury, North End will find out after tomorrow’s training session.

In the background remains Rangers’ interest in Johnson but there has been little movement since they first enquired about him last month.

Updating the position on Fisher’s injury, Neil said: “He will be at least a month.

“We’ve had him scanned, we know exactly where the problem is and now it’s about how he recovers.

“Everyone heals differently but hamstring can take their time to get right.”