TOWN chief Peter Jackson plans talks with Preston next week about making Pawel Abbott a permanent frontline signing at the McAlpine.

The 21-year-old Polish Under 21 cap is bidding to extend his goal-a-game loan record to three against bottom club Carlisle at Brunton Park on Saturday (3.00).

Jackson has been impressed by the Deepdale reserve who becomes a free agent in the summer, while Abbott has slotted into the squad well as replacement for Premier League-bound Jon Stead.

"Pav has done really well, he can see we are an ambitious young side and he's enjoying himself here," said Jackson, whose squad trained indoors today without midfielder Lee Fowler (ankle).

"He is the right age and attitude for us, he is a goalscorer and I would like to make the loan deal a permanent one.

"We haven't opened talks with Preston yet, but once we've got the Carlisle game out of the way and next Tuesday's home match with Yeovil, I'll have a preliminary chat with Craig Brown to see how the land lies."

Abbott will come up against former Town defender Kevin Gray on Saturday, while Paul Simpson also has Chris Billy and Tom Cowan in his squad, who are nine points from the safety zone.

"Carlisle know they are running out of time and will be playing in the Conference next season unless they continue to pick up points, so I've already drummed it into the lads that this is a massive game for us," said Jackson.

"No way can we expect it to be easy just because of the League table. Carlisle have beaten us at Brunton Park already this season in the LDV, when we played very poorly, they have improved vastly since then, the pitch won't be the best and we've got to prepare mentally for a very tough and physical battle."

Jackson will probably wait until the day of the game to decide whether Fowler is fit enough to replace suspended Tony Carss.

Wing-back Nat Brown is already struggling to overcome his groin injury, so Andy Holdsworth is standing by to retake his place in the starting line-up against a Carlisle side weakened this week by the return of loan man Matty Fryatt to Walsall and the departure of Paul Warhurst after just one substitute appearance.

"Carlisle scared the life out of Hull City in their last home game so we've got to be ready," said Jackson, noting Carlisle have lost just twice in 11 outings.

"Players like Kevin Gray, Tom Cowan and Chris Billy sum up the spirit of revival at Carlisle because they are all winners who give 110%, so we are going to have to produce our very best form."

Tickets will be available on the day at Brunton Park for Town fans, who can buy at the McAlpine until 4pm tomorrow.