Preston winger Josh Murphy is now back in training and could soon make a return to Championship action under Ryan Lowe.
North End swooped late on deadline day in August to sign Murphy, taking him on loan from Cardiff City for the rest of the season.
Bringing Championship experience and a prior relationship with then-manager Frankie McAvoy, Murphy seemed like a smart signing.
There have been many factors working against Murphy though.
Primarily, Murphy is an out-and-out winger and Preston haven’t really played with wingers all season.
Finding a role for Murphy hasn’t been easy, and he then suffered an injury in October and hasn’t been seen since.
Add in that McAvoy, the man who brought Murphy to Preston, was then sacked in December and it’s been a tough season for the 26-year-old.
This was meant to be a season for getting back on track, but instead Murphy has played just seven times for Preston, all as a substitute.
With just 70 minutes under his belt, Murphy’s time at Preston has been pretty miserable – but there could be hope on the horizon.
Boss Ryan Lowe has today admitted that Murphy is back in first-team training on a daily basis having recovered from an injury setback.
Lowe believes Tuesday’s game with Nottingham Forest is too early for Murphy, but Saturday’s trip to Coventry City is a tad more realistic.
Lowe has previously suggested that Murphy could play as a wing back in this Preston side, which may be his best route into the team.
Murphy is out of contract at Cardiff this summer and is essentially playing for a deal at North End.
Now back towards full fitness, Murphy may be hoping for a big end to the season to convince Lowe and earn a contract.