GRAYSON PICKS UP ON SAM!

PRESTON boss Simon Grayson believes the blow of seeing star loanee Jordan Pickford return to parent club Sunderland has been softened by the return of Manchester United keeper Sam Johnstone.

It was perhaps inevitable that Sam Allardyce’s Sunderland, who are rock bottom of the Premier League, would call on Pickford following his stunning spell at Preston.

Up until the end of 2015, the Lilywhites had conceded just 21 league goals this season and given their toothless attack – they’ve scored just 19 in that time – Pickford has helped keep them afloat.

However, Grayson has replaced him with 22-yearold Johnstone, who was between the sticks as Preston triumphed in the League One play-off final last May.

Johnstone is initially on a 28-day loan deal and Grayson said: “Jordan has gone back.

“We had an agreement in the summer that he would be for the year but obviously Sunderland had an option that they could recall him in January if they needed to.

“Given how well he has played, it is not a surprise they have called him back.

“The disappointment of him going back is balanced out by the positive news that we have been able to sign Sam Johnstone on a 28-day loan.

“He is someone we know well and tried to sign in the summer.”