Preston North End Football Club News

• Nickname:lilywhites
• Founded:1881
• Manager:Graham Westley

• Ground:Deepdale
• Capacity:22,226

Mellor suffers setback

20 Oct 2006 - 10:33:20

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Preston North End striker Neil Mellor looks set to be out of action for another four weeks after being told he needs to have a small operation on his troublesome knee injury.

The 23-year-old has yet to make his debut for Paul Simpson's side following his summer switch from Liverpool and suffered a setback in his comeback plans when he picked up a knock on his knee in last month's behind-closed-doors friendly against Bolton Wanderers.

Coach Dennis Booth told the club's official website: "Neil needs to have an operation on his knee, a small one. We're not thinking that he's going to be out too long, probably three to four weeks.

"It's a shame for Neil that over his career he's picked up the injuries that he's had. He's a very good footballer and it would be great to get him playing regularly because people would see what a very good footballer he is."

Mellor scored two goals in 12 Premiership appearances for Liverpool and spent extended loan spells with West Ham United and Wigan Athletic before moving to Deepdale in August.