Preston boss Alan Irvine insists the injuries which have affected his preparations for the new season are only minor niggles.Defender Michael Hart (thigh), midfielder Richard Chaplow (hip) and strikers Karl Hawley (foot) and Chris Brown (ankle) all missed Saturday's 2-2 friendly draw at Carlisle.

However, as he prepares for Wednesday's friendly against Motherwell, Irvine said: "None of the injuries that we have got are anything serious.

"Richard Chaplow has got a little bit of a strain, it's a wee bit of a problem with his hip and Michael Hart has got a little thigh problem, but they are small things.

"If we were playing in the league then they would all be in contention but you don't take any chances at this particular stage, we have done too much hard work to then end up being out for two or three weeks."

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