Preston defence duo set to debut

2:45pm Wednesday 23rd April 2008

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Preston fans will finally get a sight of defensive duo Neil Trotman and Michael Hart in first team action when North End face Ipswich in their final home game of the season on Saturday.

Both were signed in the January transfer window but have yet to start a game, with Trotman making his debut as a substitute in last Saturday's 2-2 draw with Plymouth, replacing the injured Sean St Ledger.

After suffering a hamstring injury it is likely that St Ledger will join Billy Jones, who has suffered a cut to his Achilles tendon, on the sidelines for the final two games of the season.

Trotman and Hart will now be given the chance to make their home debuts three months after signing. Saturday's injuries left Alan Irvine's defence severely depleted and he now has only five fit defenders to choose from.

Irvine will however, be able to field a new look defence safe in the knowledge that Preston are mathematically safe from relegation after securing a last gasp point away at Plymouth.

The Preston manager predicted that the relegation fight would go down to the wire and has been proved right. But will be able to look on in comfort as those sides below Preston, including neighbours Blackpool, fight to stay in the division in their final two games.

Reflecting on the steady improvement made by his team during his time as manager Alan Irvine said: "I'm delighted it has happened the way it has because it has shown progress and it has shown that what the players have been doing has been of benefit."

Preston's squad has been boosted by the return of striker Craig Beattie who rejoined the club on loan for the final two games of the season. The West Bromwich Albion striker was carried off just 37 minutes into his debut against Leicester in his first loan spell with the club in March.