Preston out to be a test for Mags

Preston boss Simon Grayson insists that his men will have no fear in Monday night’s Championship clash at Newcastle United.

The Magpies could win promotion if they beat the Deepdale men – and Huddersfield fail to beat Fulham today.

Preston went down 2-1 in the home league clash with the second-top Magpies, and boss Grayson is backing his side to make it a tough night for the hosts.

“Newcastle didn’t see the best of us by a long stretch at their place,” Grayson told the Lancashire Post.

“They saw the best of us when we played them at home because we gave them a very good game.

“I thought Newcastle were fortunate to get something out of the game, never mind three points.

“Saying that, we do have to be better than we have been for the last three games. We had a meeting with the players on Thursday morning.

“We told them that if we don’t do the basics right – with and without the ball – then St James’s Park can be a difficult place to play.

“Ifwedotherightthings, we can be a major threat to anybody in this division as we have proved with some good results this season.

“We have taken four points from Brighton, who have just been promoted.

“I think we have had a fantastic season, we’ve played some fantastic stuff.

“We have scored more goals than we did last season in a campaign when the level of football in the Championship has been far greater than it was before.”

Grayson’s squad is stretched, with suspensions for Ben Pearson and Alex Baptiste adding to season-ending injuries to Tom Clarke and Greg Cunningham. But on-loan Everton defender Tyias Browning is available again.

Newcastle could have Ciaran Clark back from a knee problem to partner Jamaal Lascelles in central defence. “Clark has trained with the team,” said boss Rafa Benitez. “I think he will be available. We’ll assess him in these two training sessions.”

Striker Dwight Gayle, however, is not ready to return from the hamstring injury he suffered against Sheffield Wednesday earlier this month.