PRESTON have been boosted by the return of Paul McKenna and Lee Cartwright to training.

The midfield duo have been out of action for several weeks, leaving manager David Moyes with little cover should any of his middle men be injured or suspended.

Flying winger Cartwright has been out of action since October after having to undergo a knee operation.

McKenna has been missing from the squad since late last year after suffering from a hernia strain.

But much to the delight of manager David Moyes, the pair were back in training on Thursday.

He told the Citizen: "Lee and Paul have trained with us today.

"It is good for them to back in training because they are important parts of the team.

"To me, it is a big boost because they are very important parts of the team and the more players we have training, the better.

See our PNE section for a match preview for this weekend's game with Plymouth Argyle, details on Steve Basham's injury nightmare and the latest on the flu bug gripping the North End camp.

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