Preston North End have been handed a boost with Duane Holmes back in first-team training ahead of facing Hull City this weekend.
This promises to be a huge weekend for PNE’s play-off hopes.
Recent form has catapulted North End back into the mix just weeks after it looked like a top-six push was ruled out.
North End have now won four of the last five games and this weekend’s meeting with Hull City is now vital.
Hull occupy the final play-off place right now, sitting just three points ahead of PNE.
After beating Coventry City last weekend, PNE could make a real statement with another victory – and Ryan Lowe has received a timely boost.
Duane Holmes back in training
PNE have today posted a photo of midfielder Duane Holmes back in training once again.
The American is back on the grass at Euxton and will be looking to prove his fitness ahead of this weekend’s game.
Holmes hasn’t been seen in PNE action since suffering an injury in the warm-up before facing Ipswich Town earlier in February.
The 29-year-old pulled out of that game and is now finally ramping up his return to action.
Holmes, a summer signing from Huddersfield Town, has chipped in well for North End this season.
Three goals and four assists in 26 games isn’t a bad return, especially for a player Huddersfield were happy to let go.
Having Holmes back, even just on the bench, would be a boost and would give Lowe another option in the final third.
Holmes has also enjoyed success against Hull in the past, winning six of his 10 games against the Tigers in his career.
Holmes would love to add to that record this weekend and PNE will be assessing whether he is ready to make an impact.