Nicholson could return

Preston boss Darren Ferguson may call on midfielder Barry Nicholson for the Boxing Day trip to Scunthorpe.The former Aberdeen man has been an unused substitute in five of the last six games as he feels his way back to full fitness after twice breaking a leg.But Nicholson believes he has now reached full fitness and Ferguson could also have Matty James and Paul Coutts available after injury.Iain Hume's 93-day stay from Barnsley has expired but the former Leicester striker is expected to return to Deepdale in a permanent transfer when the transfer window opens in January.On-loan Manchester United striker Josh King has recovered from an ankle injury and could start up front against Ian Baraclough's struggling side.