PRESTON striker Jon Macken looks to have shrugged off the Achilles strain which threatened to sideline him for tonight's trip to Birmingham City.

The six-goal marksman limped off near the end of Saturday's goalless draw at Crystal Palace but is expected to be able to play some part tonight.

But the news is not so good for goalkeeper Tepi Moilanen, who is likely sit out his second successive game with a back injury.

David Lucas came in to deputise at Rangers, winning the headlines with some stunning saves, and he will be back in goal tonight.

The other doubt is winger Iain Anderson who is struggling with medial ligament damage and was replaced by Lee Cartwright in Saturday's game.

Defender Ryan Kidd is still finding his fitness, as is striker Bjarki Gunlaugsson, and it may be too early for both to feature for this first time this season tonight. Trevor Francis' side are currently in sixth place, one point behind North End but with a game in hand.