Deepdale duo close to return

Preston manager Phil Brown hopes to have strikers Iain Hume and Chris Brown available for the home clash with rivals Burnley. Both men have been sidelined with hamstring and knee injuries respectively in recent weeks but are edging closer to full fitness and may come into contention to face the Clarets. Yet Deepdale boss Brown admits competition for places is increasing after two improved performances saw his side hold high-flying QPR and Nottingham Forest to draws in the past week. He said: "It's going to be difficult to pick a team but that is my job. Now we are a team and I believe that we will cause more teams more problems." Brown has yet to taste victory since taking charge at Deepdale last month.

Source: PA