Jody Craddock is hoping to be fit and available for the trip to Preston next week after missing out against Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday through injury.

The defender damaged his ankle in the win at Colchester last weekend but he is optimistic of his chances for the crucial trip to Deepdale.

He said: "The ankle is feeling okay. I've been doing a bit of work on it and should be ready to train on Sunday.

"If I come through that I could be available for Tuesday.

"I tried to carry on when it happened in a tackle at Colchester and didn't want to come off but it was getting to the stage where I might have ended up hampering the team.

"At least it's only been a sort of seven to ten days injury - if we hadn't had the midweek game at Southampton I might not have missed anything."

Looking ahead to the away fixtures at Preston and Burnley, he added: "While we're still in contention for the play-offs and it's mathematically possible everyone will have belief.

"We got two good wins and clean sheets at Crystal Palace and Colchester and just need to do something similar next week."

Hope he does get back quick as he's been one of our best players this season

hope he makes a speedy return to the team, we need his experience more than anything now

yeah been one of our best players imo