The latest team and injury news from the PNE camp ahead of Watford

Preston North End’s squad should be boosted against Watford though one player has been ill this week.

The Lilywhites are back on home soil after a free midweek, looking to build on last weekend’s win over Portsmouth. Deadline day signing Callum Lang could make his debut for the club after getting minutes for the reserves on Tuesday afternoon.

Andrew Hughes and Daniel Jebbison have both trained this week - the latter was a surprise absentee against Pompey while the Welshman has missed North End’s last five games with a hamstring issue.

Brad Potts and Liam Lindsay look likely to stay sidelined but are not far away from returning to the fold. Robbie Brady is getting closer to making his first appearance of the season, too, after playing 45 minutes in the week.

“Only three didn't train because Jordan (Thompson) had a bit of illness, but the only two who didn't train with us were Brad and Liam,” said Heckingbottom at Thursday’s press conference. “But, hopefully they'll be back in... I think Pottsy is with us tomorrow. So, he’s back and then Liam hopefully next week.

“I hope we can keep this between now and the end of the season. We will pick up bits. Obviously, Callum's just come in the door. He's only going to get fitter and stronger. Andy (Moran), who's been fit but again, a new group, is only going to get, fitter, stronger and better.

“Robbie Brady played minutes again the other day. Keeping him fit is important and then he's going to add to the group. Hughesy is coming back. I think it's five weeks this weekend; not far off. He's trained now, so he's fine. He's back in, which is good - a big part of what we do, gives us good versatility.

“Hopefully, he's one of the ones who we've got fit now until the end of the season That's important. Again, he's only going to get stronger now he's back training. We've got the bodies back but the good thing is the boys coming back should add to what we've got.”

On Brady specifically, Heckingbottom said: “I think everyone's pleased for Robbie. I know what a tough journey it can be when you're injured, and he's missed the majority of pre-season, all the games. We had him down for 30’ but he felt great, he's been working hard and got 45 minutes.

“And it's a box ticked. So, I think both myself and Robbie, we're really keen for him to - for lots of reasons - remain fit and available between now and the end of the season. Both for our benefit, for Preston, for Robbie and for, hopefully, the Republic of Ireland as well.”

One big question is when number one goalkeeper Daniel Iversen will return from the thigh problem that has sidelined him for more than one month. Jack Walton played the first three games in Iversen’s absence but Dai Cornell has been turned to in the last couple of fixtures.

“He's been training but just not at the stage where he's been kicking,” Heckingbottom told BBC Lancashire. “So, he's been training with Pollie last week, but with it being a groin injury he's just not been able to kick yet. He could play, but he can't kick it.”

Heckingbottom on Osmajic return

North End’s striker is back in contention this weekend after serving his three-game ban for violent conduct. Osmajic headbutted Hull City midfielder John Lundstram in the 0-3 home defeat to the Tigers. Heckingbottom spoke openly about the forward last week and maintained his tune on Thursday.

“Yeah, nothing's changed,” said Heckingbottom. “You guys just see the bits that happen on the pitch and ultimately, that's where you're judged, isn't it? That's where you're judged, but there's other things that Milly needs to improve - he knows that. He is not a bad person, you know? He just needs to be more professional.”

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