North End ace stretches back to fitness

Striker Chris Brown has revealed that he is feeling back to his best for Preston as his sciatica problem has eased considerably.

The former Sunderland and Norwich hitman has been troubled by the lower back problem for most of this season, but says a series of exercises that he performs has helped calm the problem down. Indeed it has shown on the pitch, as Brown has fired in three goals in North End's last two games.

Brown said: "The more physio, rehab and stretching I do the easier it is becoming.

"I've played two 90 minutes in the past two games and I've not felt it (the sciatica) at all.

"I'd like to think I'm through it now but I've just got to keep on top of it. My aim now is just to stay fit and the rest will come."