Alex Neil will be tempted to tinker with Preston North End’s engine room for trip to Luton

Preston’s midfield could get another re-jig as they look to get back on a winning track at Luton this weekend.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Ben Pearson’s absence has caused disruption for the last two games and the Lilywhites will not have him back for a few matches yet.

An injury to Brad Potts and Paul Gallagher not being able to get through last Saturday’s defeat to QPR, has led to some mix-and-matching for PNE boss Alex Neil.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

At Fulham on February 29, Neil played Alan Browne in the deeper midfield role.

Preston midfielder Paul Gallagher will have a calf injury assessed ahead of the game at LutonPreston midfielder Paul Gallagher will have a calf injury assessed ahead of the game at Luton
Preston midfielder Paul Gallagher will have a calf injury assessed ahead of the game at Luton

Daniel Johnson operated slightly further forward, with Potts drafted in as the No.10.

With Potts getting a kick on the Achilles in that game and then feeling his hamstring in training, things changed again for QPR’s visit.

Gallagher returned from illness to play next to Browne, with Johnson pushed forward to his favoured No.10 role.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Neil felt Gallagher was key to PNE’s good first-half display and that they dipped when he went off because of tightness in a calf muscle.

His fitness will have been monitored during the week ahead of the visit to Kenilworth Road where PNE will be backed by a sell-out away section.

With regards to Potts, Neil hinted at only a short time out for him, having had a scan on his injury.

Assessing the midfield, Neil said: “Gally has got the best range of passing at the club is terms of opening the pitch up.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“He can strike a pass from 70 yards and put it on someone’s toe.

“After Gally, Ben Pearson is that guy in terms of passing from deeper positions.

“You can drop DJ back to do that job but then you lose his creativity at the top end of the pitch.

“In the first half last week, DJ was superb although he did fade a bit later.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Neil has been pleased with Browne in the deeper role – the Irishman moved there rather than Ryan Ledson being drafted in.

That said, Ledson did come on as a late substitute against QPR.

Said Neil: “Alan has been asked to do a specific job in the last two games.

“We asked him to track Tom Cairney at Fulham and then he was on Ebere Eze against QPR. Eze never got a kick until he went wide left.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I’ve plenty to think about for the Luton game, assess where we could do better.”

Neil certainly needs a big response from his squad at Luton, with PNE beaten four times in the last five games.

They have clung on to sixth place with none of the chasing pack in particularly strong form either.

If North End do not pick up though, someone is going to take advantage and leave them having to chase.