Paul Gallagher pushing to be fit for Preston

Posted Thursday, April 18, 2019 by PA

Preston are hoping Paul Gallagher will ease their injury problems at home to relegated Ipswich.

Gallagher has had treatment this week after suffering a hefty challenge to both his shins during the 4-1 defeat at West Brom.

January buys Jayden Stockley Joe Rafferty and Josh Ginnelly are pushing for starting spots as boss Alex Neil, who signed a new three-year deal this week, looks to the future with Preston mid-table in the Sky Bet Championship.

Tom Barkhuizen, Andrew Hughes and Brandon Barker have recently joined Billy Bodin and Josh Harrop in being ruled out for the rest of the season.

Ipswich, who last weekend became the first team to be relegated in the English Football League this season, hope to include Jon Nolan and Will Keane after knocks.

But veteran defender James Collins is unlikely to feature for Paul Lambert’s side after being forced off in the 1-1 draw with Birmingham last weekend.

Ellis Harrison (back) remains unavailable, but the Wales Under-21s striker could return against Swansea on Easter Monday after over two months out.

Tom Adeyemi, who has not made an appearance for Ipswich since October 2017, is also edging closer to a first-team return after playing for the club’s under-23s on Monday.