PRESTON manager David Moyes will find out today just how many of his players have been struck down by a flu bug which is sweeping through his high-flying squad.

Several members of the squad which travelled to Cardiff last weekend were placed in isolation by club physio Mick Rathbone ahead of North End's stunning 4-0 win.

Those who have picked up the bug have been told to stay away from the club at all costs as precautions are put into place to ensure the sniffles can't spread.

But an anxious Moyes will only find out today (Thursday) just how depleted a squad he has to choose from for this weekend's fourth-round FA Cup clash at Plymouth Argyle.

Today is the first time the squad have come together since the flu hit the team, who are on a high after collecting seven points out of a possible nine over the festive season.

One thing most of the squad will probably be suffering from by the end of this weekend is travel sickness.

As well as the long trip to the south coast, Preston have also played away at Wrexham and Cardiff in the past two weeks, prompting cries from the club for better organisation of league fixtures over the Christmas and New Year period.

Moyes said: "I am not so disappointed that we haven't pulled a big name in this round. I am more concerned that we are away from home and so far away at that.

"The fans now face another long trip, as do we, and we can only thank them for remaining so loyal."

Although Plymouth may be a division below North End, they won't be taking anything for granted.

Moyes' back four need to be on red-hot form if they are to dampen the effort of Plymouth's national under-21 striker Ian Stonebridge.

His blistering form - which included scoring two goals against Macclesfield last weekend - has led to him being watched by several Division Two clubs, including Brentford, who are currently considering making a £400,000 bid for him. Argyle have confessed to being unwilling to sell their man while still in the cup.

The flu bug aside, Jon Macken could also be doubtful for Saturday's clash after picking up a neck injury at Cardiff. He will be given the once-over today (Thursday) although he is expected to be given the all-clear.

Steve Basham, PNE's injured-jinxed striker, has suffered a further setback after his ankle injury flared up for the third time, putting his return to action back even further.

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