Duo missing for North End

31 December 2010 09:00
Preston have been dealt a double blow ahead of the home clash with Derby after on-loan Manchester United duo Joshua King and Ritchie de Laet were recalled to Old Trafford. Both deals were not due to expire until after the Bank Holiday double-header against Derby and Crystal Palace. However, United exercised the recall option in their loan agreements to cut short their time at Deepdale. Leon Cort's loan from Burnley expired on December 31 and the sacking of boss Darren Ferguson may have curtailed plans to extend the loan. Caretaker boss David Unsworth could recall Sean St Ledger after the defender was left out of the squad for the Bank Holiday defeat at home to Middlesbrough. The Republic of Ireland international had been complaining about a soreness in his knee and groin but has also been linked with a January move away from Deepdale.

Source: PA