Defender struggling to make Preston clash

Defender Stephen Crainey is facing a race against time to be fit for Blackpool's clash against Preston on Sunday.

The left back is still struggling to overcome a foot injury that forced him to miss last weekend's game against Reading and has been unable to train since.

However, boss Ian Holloway is optimistic that he will still recover in time and will leave a decision Crainey's fitness until as late as possible.

"Hopefully it will be good news though it's too early to tell yet," Holloway told the Blackpool Gazette.

"It is one of those knocks that does hurt, if that makes sense. But knowing Stephen Crainey coaches and horses won't stop him playing.

"If you know what he's like as a person you'll know what I mean so we are pretty optimistic he will be fit."

Ishmel Demontagnac is definitely available for the game against Preston after completing a three-match suspension.