Preston’s forgotten loanee Josh Murphy could make a return to action very soon as he gears up for a comeback from injury.
Murphy joined North End on loan from Cardiff City on deadline day in August.
A proven Championship winger who cost £11million back in 2018, Murphy seemed like a rather un-Preston signing in terms of his proven track record.
Sadly, it hasn’t quite worked out for Murphy at Preston yet.
Murphy hasn’t started a single league game for North End, and he has managed just 70 minutes across seven substitute appearances.
In October, Murphy picked up an ankle injury and hasn’t played since.
With Frankie McAvoy gone and Ryan Lowe now in, Murphy hasn’t had chance to impress his new boss.
The Lancashire Post now claim that Murphy is expected to be back running next week ahead of a return to full training.
Out of contract at the end of the season, Murphy needs a great run of form to earn a full-time deal with Preston.
It’s also unclear just where Murphy will play under Lowe.
An attack-minded manager, Lowe has used wingers as wing backs in the past, and Murphy may have to play there.
If Murphy doesn’t fit in, there is always a chance that his loan is ended early so he can return to Cardiff.
Some have forgotten about Murphy at Preston, but we’re about to see what the future holds for him in the coming weeks.