Skipper Tom Clarke and goalkeeper Declan Rudd are set to be involved in the Lilywhites’ Lancashire Senior Cup tie with Bury on Tuesday.
North End’s respective numbers five and one could be given their first starts against Chris Lucketti’s Shakers in the quarter-final tie at the Greater Manchester side’s Carrington training ground in a 2pm kick-off.
Clarke, who has come on as a substitute in the last two games, has not started a match since rupturing his Achilles against Huddersfield Town back in April, whilst Rudd’s last outing was in the first round of the same competition, against Burnley, at the beginning of September.
Both have been back in training for almost a month and will hope to step up their respective returns towards full match fitness by getting plenty of time under their belt in this game.
A strong North End squad is expected to make the trip around the M60, with a number of the fit players who did not make the starting line-up at Norwich at the weekend, complimented by members of the youth team.
The game kicks-off at 2pm, with supporters able to enter to watch the game free of charge. Anyone wishing to attend should head to the main reception of Bury’s Carrington training centre – formerly Manchester City’s training ground, where they will be directed to where they can watch the game from.
We will have full coverage on our social media channels, with the match report, highlights and reaction all on PNE.Com as soon as possible after the final whistle.