Doncaster Rovers manager Grant McCann is treating Sunday’s Emirates FA Cup third round tie at Deepdale as a benchmark for his League One promotion chasers.
Speaking ahead of the game to Donny’s official website, doncasterroversfc.co.uk, he said it would be a good test for his side and was a game where they could play with a freedom.
“The cup game is a nice breather, it’s a nice break. It’s going to be a tough game. No one is going to expect us to go there and get anything apart from us in the changing room,” said the former Peterborough United gaffer.
“It’s a good test for us and it will show us how close we are to that level. The boys will be able to go there and play with freedom and see what we can do.
“Preston North End are a good, any team in the Championship is a good side, they’re there for a reason. We all want to get to that level, so it will be a good benchmark for us.”
Rovers, like the Lilywhites, have already been active in the transfer market and one of their new recruits, a close friend of PNE striker Sean Maguire, could be involved for the first time at Deepdale.
Irish winger Kieran Sadlier was recruited, like Maguire, from Cork City and subject to international clearance he could well be involved in the Cup clash.
“Kieran can hopefully be available for Preston,” continued McCann. “It’s just a case of the international clearance for him, but I’m told they’re quite quick with that and ours should have been one of the first ones lodged.
“We had an in-house game this week, just between ourselves, the youth team and some the U23s. It’s important to get Kieran some game time along with Tyler Smith and Paul Taylor so we can see where we are fitness wise.”