SIMON GRAYSON is hoping to fix up a development match next week to give Huddersfield Town’s fit-again players valuable game time.
Midfield trio Tommy Miller, Oscar Gobern and Damien Johnson are all back in full training with the promotion-chasing League I club while Gary Naysmith is making progress after a knee problem.
Miller will miss a 14th successive League I game at Preston today after surgery on a double hernia.
Hamstring injury victims Gobern and Johnson have been out for nine and seven matches respectively while left-back Naysmith has also missed seven.
“Things are looking hopeful for the injured lads,” reported manager Grayson, who hopes 14-goal striker Lee Novak beats the ankle injury which kept him out at Bournemouth on Monday to make today’s clash at Deepdale.
“But they need to get some sharpness back, so while it’s been difficult to fix up a work-out over the busy Easter period, we are optimistic of getting a game now.
“That will give us a far better idea of where we’re at in terms of utilising the lads over the final three league games and beyond.”
New senior professional development coach Steve Eyre will take charge of Town in future development games. The former Rochdale manager and Manchester City coach joined Town’s management team in midweek.
Town have right-back Jack Hunt back after a two-match suspension for this afternoon’s Roses derby, when a win would leave them a point away from cementing a play-off place.
They are chasing a first win at the venue since 1969 on what is their first visit there since a goalless Championship draw in April 2001.
Andy D’Urso is the new referee.
