DAVID Moyes' frustrations at being refused a work permit for Canadian international Jason Bent should be tempered provided his side add three points to their tally against struggling QPR at Deepdale tomorrow.

Preston heard earlier this week that utility man Bent -- who has played in the last 20 games for his country -- would not be donning a North End shirt after their appeal was refused by the Department of Education and Employment.

It's the second time Preston have been turned down following an earlier refusal for Bermudian Steve Astwood.

"It would make me think twice about going back to a tribunal. We would question about whether it was worthwhile," said Moyes who wanted to sign Bent from MLS side Colorado Rapids, and would have got the go ahead had Canada been in the FIFA top 70 rankings for the last two years.

"The boy was very disappointed he was not getting an opportunity to come and play.

"Canada are 63rd in the rankings at the moment and, in a couple of months, when they have played their next two internationals, they would have probably been in the top 70 for the last two years. But he will probably have signed a contract elsewhere by then."

Instead North End will concentrate on trying to build on a victory over Portsmouth last week which brought a halt to a run of five successive losses. And they'll be glad for a home game -- their last action at Deepdale was on January 6 when they lost to Stockport in the FA Cup.

"We are looking forward to it and hopefully the supporters are as well. They may have needed the break as well as us.

"The players needed the (Portsmouth) win. Winning football matches always makes you happier although the spirit has always been quite high in the squad.

"Hopefully the bad spell is over and we can now go from strength to strength.

"We have 18 games left and QPR are battling for points. I'm sure they have a target of how many games they need to win.

"But I do have sympathy with the horrendous injury problems they have picked up over the last few weeks."

These include defender Clarke Carlisle, who is out for nine months with cruciate ligament damage and a doubt for tomorrow is their tall striker Peter Crouch.

But the good news on North End's injury front is right-back Graham Alexander is back in line for a starting place following his lung problem brought about by a blow on Boxing Day at Wolves.

"He is back in contention. He has trained all this week but has missed five weeks. His general fitness is down but it is not very noticeable," added Moyes.