Skipper Jim Magilton is Town's only injury worry as the Blues prepare for the visit of Preston North End on Saturday. Goalkeeper Kelvin Davis remains on the sidelines but is hoping to be back in contention next week.

Magilton, rested at Watford last Saturday, has a slight knee injury and returned to training today. The injury is not serious and is the result of wear and tear.

Manager Joe Royle names a 17-man squad due to Magilton's injury which will be assessed again before Saturday: "Jim has done some work today and we will have another look at him on Friday but hopefully he will be clear for Preston."

Davis has missed a month of football with a back problem but was back in training with goalkeeping coach Andy Rhodes on Wednesday. Royle said recently that he would like Davis to play a reserve game before he got back into first team action. The second string play West Ham at Dagenham next Wednesday.

Young keeper Shane Supple will be back on the bench, after missing out last weekend because of a suspected broken toe. The Irishman came through the reserves game with Southampton on Monday without a problem.

Magilton's possible return and whether Royle keeps with the 4-3-3 formation used at Vicarage Road look to be the only questions regarding Saturday's line-up. If Magilton is back, it's likely the Blues will switch to 4-4-2 with Pablo Couñago probably dropping back to the bench. Otherwise Town will be unchanged.

Preston's striking options have been hit by the summer sale of star man Ricardo Fuller and the impending departure of Northern Irish frontman David Healy to Leeds. New manager Billy Davies is looking at bringing in new signings but Saturday may come too soon for any new additions.

Davies also has injury worries ahead of Saturday, with defenders Marlon Broomes and Callum Davidson both on the sidelines lately. Goalscoring keeper Andy Lonergan is also unavailable after breaking fingers.

American midfielder Eddie Lewis returns after suspension, while two loan players, full-back John Curtis and striker Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu, could be back in the eleven after missing out in the Carling Cup match at Everton.

Saturday's referee is Iain Williamson from Berkshire who last refereed Town in last season's 0-0 draw at Millwall. This season he has shown 43 yellow and two red cards in 11 games.

Squad: Bent, Bowditch, Collins, Couñago, De Vos, Diallo, Horlock, Kuqi, Magilton, Miller, Mitchell, Naylor, Price, Richards, Supple, Westlake, Wilnis.

Photo: Action Images

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