Town manager Joe Royle has an almost full squad to pick from ahead of Saturday's visit by Preston North End. Striker Shekfi Kuqi misses the game due to a one-match suspension but Chris Bart-Williams is fit enough to be involved after his recent back problems.

The midfielder was not involved against Burnley last week but Royle says that had he desperately been required the former Charlton man could have played a part. However, it was felt his injury would not be helped by the six-hour coach journey to Lancashire.

Bart-Williams is likely to return to the Town midfield with Tommy Miller perhaps the man to make way.

Up front Pablo Couñago looks almost certain to return to the starting line-up alongside Darren Bent with Kuqi missing as he has reached five bookings.

Town's only long-term absentee, Chris Makin, is still progressing well and is getting close to a return to the first team. Royle says he will need at least one reserve game before he can be considered and the Blues may have to arrange a friendly with the next scheduled second string game not until March 9th.

Preston sit behind Town in 12th place but are only four points off the Blues. Royle says they are a decent team: “Preston had a great run but have slowed down a bit of late.

“They are a good side on their day and have some good players like Ricardo Fuller and Chris Lucketti.

“We had a hard-fought game up there, a game which could have gone either way. Craig Brown was very complimentary after the game.”

The Blues have faltered at home of late, but Royle is quick to point out that his side's record at Portman Road is by no means bad: “Our last home performance was good. Some would have you believe we've been disappointing at home but only one side has won more and no one else has scored more goals.”

Despite the recent downturn in form, Town are still in fifth and Royle says his side can still make an automatic promotion place: “We're not just looking over our shoulders, we're also looking at the top two.”

Preston are without Brian O'Neil who limped out of their game with Millwall and who will be out of action for four months. Assistant boss Billy Davies says his absence is a big loss: “It's a real blow for Preston and a sickener for Brian too at a crucial stage of the season.

"Brian has proved a very influential player since joining us a year ago from Derby and now we are going to be without him for the remainder of the campaign.”

The Lilywhites have also lost defender Marlon Broomes with a medial ligament injury while Dickson Etuhu is out due to an ankle injury. Paul McKenna is a doubt after missing the Millwall match with an ankle ligament problem.

Former Chelsea and Derby man Craig Burley, nephew of former Town boss George Burley, may make his first start for the Lancastrians, while central defender Chris Lucketti could be in line for a recall after missing out recently due to injury.

Defender Lee Briscoe is missing after recently undergoing a hamstring operation and George Koumantarakis is also out due to a hamstring injury. Rob Edwards will be involved on Saturday despite missing training this week because of a virus.

Saturday's referee is Keith Hill from Royston who so far this season has shown 56 yellow cards and has sent off only one player. He previously officiated the Blues in last season's 1-0 home defeat to Derby County.

Town squad, 16 from: Davis, Price, Wilnis, Richards, Naylor, Diallo, McGreal, Santos, Bart-Williams, Magilton, Wright, Westlake, Miller, Reuser, Bent, Couñago, Bowditch.

Photo: Action Images

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