Welsh to bolster Preston ranks
Skipper John Welsh is expected to bolster Preston's ranks against Colchester.
The former Liverpool trainee has not played since September 2 because of an ankle problem, and he is yet to appear in a single Sky Bet League One fixture this term.
Simon Grayson's squad has been stretched by injuries of late and summer signings Calum Woods and Andy Little will have their hamstring strains checked.
Strikers Jordan Hugill (knee) and Kevin Davies (ribs) as well as winger Lee Holmes (chest) remain on the sidelines.
Colchester boss Tony Humes could hand a first start to Rhys Healey.
The Cardiff loanee made a goalscoring appearance from the bench last Saturday during the 3-0 win at Crewe and could feature more prominently at Deepdale.
Academy star Dion Sembie-Ferris was named in the matchday squad for the first time last Saturday but, despite not getting on against struggling Alex, the teenage midfielder will hope for a debut this time around.
The U's will be looking to build on an impressive start to life under Humes which has seen them lose just once in five games having lost the previous four prior to the academy boss' appointment.
Source: PA
