Preston North End will be hoping to continue their fine form, as they return from the international break ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Pride Park to play Derby County.

Preston picked up 7 points from their last three matches that included the memorable 6-4 win against Leeds United, coming back from 4-1 down. The points mean the Lilywhites now occupy 20^th spot just above the relegation places, and only 6 points below the play off places, once again showcasing how tight the Championship league is.

Manager Darren Ferguson will wait on the fitness of on-loan Manchester United duo Joshua King and Matt James right up until kick off, before deciding whether to select either of them.

Ferguson however has no injury worries for the international players in the team, who played during the week.

His international stars included Paul Coutts for Scotland Under 21’s, and Sean St Ledger who played for the Republic of Ireland.

Meanwhile in terms of the opposition, Derby County have gone unbeaten in the last four matches, including a fine 5-0 victory over Crystal Place. Nigel Clough’s team occupy 14^th position in the league.

A welcome boost to Preston fans could be the news that County’s key midfielder Paul Green is unlikely to be risked. Green was substituted in the first half while playing for Republic of Ireland during the week, and the hamstring injury he suffered is likely to keep him out for tomorrow.

However Derby have acted quickly in the transfer market with the one month loan signing of goalkeeper Frank Fielding from Blackburn Rovers. Fielding, who was called up to Fabio Capello’s England squad earlier in the season, has been signed following the injury to regular first choice stopper, Stephen Bywater.