North End unchanged for County clash

Preston North End manager David Moyes will have an unchanged squad for the FA Cup third round clash with Stockport.

But the Deepdale boss may be tempted to throw recent signing David Healy into a starting role after a disappointing run for his newly-promoted side.

The Northern Ireland international was confined to the substitutes' bench for North End's New Year's Day derby defeat at the hands of Bolton.

However, with Moyes' side looking goal-shy in recent weeks the former Manchester United man may be brought in to kick-start Preston's season.

Moyes will be looking to use the cup to end a disappointing run which has seen Preston win only once in their previous five Division One matches.

The only absentee from Moyes' squad is Graham Alexander, who suffered a broken rib against Wolves.

Stockport manager Andy Kilner knows his side must shatter the Preston work ethic when the sides meet at Deepdale.

The Edgeley Park boss said: "They're not a team of superstars - but they all play together. They are honest, hard-working players.

"They've got a good team and we'll have to be at the top of our game to get anything. It is a difficult match.

"They are where they are in the table because they are a good side. But if we can reproduce the performances of our last dozen or so games, we'll have a decent chance."

Midfielder Ali Gibb and defender Shane Nicholson are both serving one-match suspensions for accumulating five yellow cards.

Defender Mike Flynn is doubtful after sustaining a dead leg against Wolves and receiving another knock in the match with Fulham - forcing him to sit out training this week.