Alex Neil hails 'machine' Daniel Johnson as midfielder returns in Preston North End's win over Nottingham Forest

The 26-year-old was expected to be out until the new year with a thigh problem but was back in for the 1-0 triumph at the City Ground on Saturday.

Johnson managed 92 minutes before being replaced by Graham Burke in stoppage time as Louis Moult’s second-half goal handed the Lilywhites all three points.

The Jamaican returned on the same day as Tom Clarke and Ben Davies also came back into the side after injury.

“We needed him back,” said Neil.

“He’s got that little bit of experience to go and get his foot on the ball.

“I’ve seen him play better but to come in and do what he did for us considering he’s been out for a few weeks was impressive. He’s only trained a couple of days .

“He’s a machine DJ and his athletic capacity is incredible.

“We took more of a risk with him than we did with Ben and that’s down to how athletic DJ is which is a credit to him.

“It was great effort from him and I was delighted to see him get through most of the game.”

It wasn’t all good news on the injury front though as Brandon Barker limped off after just 25 minutes.

Neil confirmed post-match it was a hamstring injury but said it was too early to say how long the winger might be sidelined.