Preston North End selection hint dropped by Ryan Lowe ahead of West Brom final day clash

Preston North End manager Ryan Lowe will not be taking the final match of the season, away to West Brom, lightly.

The Lilywhites are still on 63 points, having suffered four straight defeats. Realistically, ninth is the highest Ryan Lowe’s side can now finish; 12th being the lowest. It’s ended up being an underwhelming finish to the campaign, given play-off hopes were still been alive after 41 games.

There are now 90 minutes left to play and Preston’s boss will be treating Saturday’s encounter - against a team looking to secure a top six finish - like any other game. Handing minutes, to those who haven’t featured a great deal, is not on his agenda.

“Not really, no,” said Lowe. “We have got to try and pick the best team, we feel can win. Again, another tough encounter. West Brom need to win to get into the play-offs; Hull are champing at the bit to get in there. So, we are not looking to do anyone any favours other than ourselves, unfortunately.

“We will go there with the strongest team we possibly can. Hindsight is a wonderful thing isn’t it? But, if you’d have got more points on the board, then who knows? You might’ve got one or two players more minutes and given them whatever it may be. The likes of young Theo (Mawene) making his debut at 16... wow. And his brother - I don’t think that will ever be matched.

“That is what I wanted to do. Young Josh Seary was out of the squad (against Leicester) - but has done fantastically well all season. Besty is back where he belongs, so the youngsters are all champing at the bit to get an opportunity. But, have got to pick the best team, which I feel can compete and get points.”