PNE v Hearts

Hearts are the visitors to Deepdale on Saturday as both clubs step up their preparations ahead of the new season.

While North End have three weeks before the big kick off, this will be Hearts' last match before their Champions League campaign kicks off in a fortnight's time.

So far this summer they have played four pre season friendlies and were back in training a full two weeks before North End so they will provide much stiffer competition than that already faced by Paul Simpson's side.

11 goals have been scored and just one conceded in Preston's two games against Chorley and Bamber Bridge but everyone is well aware that this one will be a massive improvement in standard.

Paul Simpson is still without several members of the squad through injury, although none are deemed too serious but he has been handed a boost as far as the goalkeeping situation with both Andy Lonergan and Carlo Nash available for selection.

Nash returned to training on Thursday following illness, while Paul Simpson revealed that Lonergan is chomping at the bit to play.

Lonergan's last match came back in October while on loan at Wycombe, before suffering a second serious knee injury now he's back and the end of his injury nightmare is in sight:

"Andy Lonergan has done all of the goalkeeping work so I expect him to be ready. He has been desperate to play for 18 months and I think I would have to strap him down if I don't involve him on Saturday."

On the rest of the squad this is what Simpson had to say:

"Adam Nowland, Brett Ormerod and Callum Davidson are all going to see a specialist this afternoon (Friday) so they're are not going be available.

"Callum has done bits and bats really. He did all of the first week but felt a bit sore last Friday so he didn't train for the first part of the week, he joined in training on Thursday and did all of the work and felt ok but will see the specialist just to see what he has to say.

"Sean St Ledger has trained with us today but the game will come too early for him. Matt Hill hasn't done any football all week and won't be available. Joe Anyinsah picked up a thigh strain during Tuesday's match with Bamber Bridge so he won't play and neither will Ashley Parillon who is still out with a thigh strain, while we are hoping that Andy Smith will be able to join us for training next week."