Preston North End vs Ipswich preview - Beckford unlikely to return

Posted Friday, August 21, 2015 by PA

Jermaine Beckford once again remains Preston's biggest injury concern ahead of Ipswich's visit to Deepdale.

The striker has not played a competitive game for North End since signing permanently over the summer after sustaining a pre-season knock which manager Simon Grayson is hopeful he can shake off soon.

Fellow forward Jordan Hugill will serve the second match of a three-game suspension he accrued having been sent off as a substitute in the win over MK Dons last weekend.

Forward Paul Gallagher (groin) and full-back Marnick Vermijl both played at Rotherham in midweek following injuries and came through unscathed.

Ipswich manager Mick McCarthy could be forced to change a winning side.

Midfielder Ryan Fraser (knee) hobbled off during the midweek 2-0 win over Burnley at Portman Road and will be assessed, as will forward Darryl Murphy (calf).

Full-back Jonathan Parr is closing in on match fitness following a thigh injury, having scored for the Under-21s side against Coventry and so could come in for Luke Chambers, who has been deputising so far.

Striker David McGoldrick, who extended his contract on Thursday, staked his claim for a place in the starting XI after coming off the bench to net a late goal against the Clarets. Midfielder Teddy Bishop (hamstring) remains a doubt.