Town boss Joe Royle has hailed his players' short break in Tenerife a success. The squad took the trip to the holiday island to recharge their batteries and bond.

Royle returned with his squad on Wednesday night and said: "It has gone very well. It has been a good exercise and everyone has enjoyed it. It has been a mix of relaxation and work.

"It was meant to be a break to freshen minds and bodies. They have played golf and trained together. The players are fit and relaxed and it has been a great team-bonding exercise."

Chris Bart-Williams and Chris Makin are the only members of the squad with injury problems ahead of Saturday's visit by Preston.

Bart-Williams has suffered from a sore back in recent weeks and a decision will be made based on his training today and tomorrow.

Makin, whose recent hip injection appears to have done the trick, has been pencilled in to line-up in a reserve game soon.

Shefki Kuqi misses the visit of Preston as he is suspended for one match after picking up his fifth booking of the season in the recent 3-1 win against Bradford.

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