KENDAL Town boss Lee Ashcroft says Sean Gregan, the ex West Bromwich and Preston defender, will feature in his squad to face Preston North End on Wednesday evening.

Before then, Kendal continue their hectic nine-match pre-season build-up with the visit of Gateshead at the Lakeland Radio Stadium tonight.

Ashcroft explained: " It is no secret that after last season the major area we needed to improve was defensively.

We scored more goals than almost everyone else, yet we finished with a very nominal goal difference.

"I have tried to bring in experience in this area and that is where I feel Sean can come in."

"Sean has been down and trained on two occasions now and he has looked very sharp.

"He had a slight groin strain when he first met up with us and I didn't want to risk that, but I feel he is ready and will feature in the squad to face Preston."

"After this weeks' friendlies are over we will sit down and have a chat about what is the best way forward, but the fans will hopefully have an unbelievable opportunity to see a footballer who has played in the Premier League wearing Kendal Town colours."

Ashcroft added: I played with Sean at Preston and he has a terrific passing ability out of the back.

"His career speaks for itself. What he has achieved over a number of years can serve as a motivation to the younger players at Kendal Town.

Sean has ambitions to get into coaching and I will try and offer him an opportunity to provide him with the stepping stone he needs to have a successful management career."