David Wagner has three extra midfield options as he looks to make his first ever Boxing Day match against Preston North End a Huddersfield Town celebration.

Jonathan Hogg, Emyr Huws and Phil Billing have all recovered from injuries and could feature against Simon Grayson’s visitors.

While the Town squad have been given Christmas Day off, Wagner – who is used to a winter break in Germany – has been pleased with the trio in training this week.

“Jonathan Hogg and Emyr Huws are with us in training and they will be back,” confirmed the head coach.

Sky Bet Championship - Birmingham City (0) v Huddersfield Town (2) - Emyr Huws.

“They have worked with no significant problems and that means we have more alternatives for Saturday.

“Phil Billing has also worked with us since last Friday, completed the double sessions and it is very good that he is back.

“He is a talent and something special in this position with his size, his technique and his quality.

“He needs time to progress his fitness and to develop with us, but he is a very interesting player and good to have around.”

Wagner revealed striker Ishmael Miller is being monitored for a back-related hamstring niggle, and skipper Mark Hudson will return to training on Christmas Eve after a minor injury which needed treatment.

Town, having won just once in their last 10 Boxing Day fixtures, are likely to feature several changes after the 4-2 defeat at Brentford, especially with the trip to QPR making it two games in three days.

“We want to make the Boxing Day game a celebration for us, and the way to do that is with a win,” added Wagner.

“We know what happened against Brentford and now I am looking for the positive reaction from the squad.”