Preston boss Alan Irvine is hopeful striker Chris Brown will be passed fit for the trip to Home Park to take on Plymouth.The January signing from Norwich, who has been a key figure in North End's climb away from relegation danger, missed last weekend's 2-1 home defeat to Barnsley due to a thigh strain.

Irvine admitted Brown was badly missed against the Tykes but he is hopeful the former Sunderland forward will be passed fit to return at Home Park.

Karl Hawley is expected to retain his place alongside Neil Mellor should Brown fail a fitness test.

But defender Liam Chilvers (Achilles) and midfielder Kevin Nicholls (knee) will definitely remain sidelined.

North End head to Devon knowing victory will finally end the threat of relegation.

More Football News from TEAMtalk