PRESTON North End have a small squad, which has been stretched to the limit over the season.

Teuvo Moilanen is an established member of the Finnish international squad, and has been impressive between the posts ever since his arrival in 1996. Has been out of action for much of the season with a rib injury making way for David Lucas, the England U20 keeper.

Described as a keeper with huge potential, Lucas has been vital during several games this season and is being watched by many Premiership clubs.

Preston's defence has been rock solid for much of the season, thanks to players like Michael Jackson, the powerful defender who has swept the board during this year's player of the season announcements. He arrived on deadline day in 1997 from Bury for just £125,000. He always likes to get forward and is usually captain when Sean Gregan is off the field.

Ryan Kidd is a versatile defender who has become an integral member of the first team squad. Good with his left foot, making him invaluable on the wing at times, he also plays in the centre of defence. Julian Darby has provided much-needed experience along the back four, having played at Bolton, Coventry and West Brom. He has played a subs role for much of the season, and recently gave way to Mark Winstanley, who arrived from Burnley on deadline day.

On the right wing is Graham Alexander, who has made an impressive start to life in Preston since signing from Luton before deadline day. His constant hard work down the right wing has been one of the highlights in recent weeks. Gary Parkinson has played excellently in some games, but has been laid off until next February with a horrific knee injury.

Also key in defence is Dominic Ludden, who immediately strengthened Preston's left side when he arrived last year. A torn ligament has restricted his appearances this season.

Moving into midfield, captain Sean Gregan (bought to be a defender but now plays a midfield role) arrived at Deepdale from Division three outfit Darlington in November 1996 and has revelled in his role as club captain.

Just as good at defending as he is in midfield, Gregan won last year's player of the season. He is also said to be the joker of the dressing room. Ex-Manchester United starlet Michael Appleton sits alongside him in the centre of midfield, after signing for a record fee of £500,000 last summer from the Red Devils.

He has won many friends in the Deepdale faithful after a number of forceful defensive displays, while Lee Cartwright is popular because he is simply so athletic. The flying winger can tear through any defence when on form, while fellow winger David Eyres can play on either side of the park. He will muck in wherever needed to see the team through. He acts as an inspiration to the younger players with his high workrate. Fellow Scouser Paul McGregor has also been drafted in to provide support on the right.

Another midfield stalwart is Simon Davey who was Gary Peters' first signing, picking him up for £75,000 from Carlisle United. This central midfielder has been out of action for much of the season with a long term back injury. Midfield powerhouse Paul McKenna can be relied upon to put in solid performances when required after progressing out the youth team into the first squad. Another solid performer is Mark Rankine who has set the Deepdale crowd alight on several occasions. He was written off by many of his critics - all of whom are eating humble pie now.

Up front, North End have been quite spoilt for choice. But now Steve Basham has returned to Southampton, PNE's long term players are vying to get back into the squad. Kurt Nogan has scored more than 20 goals this season and has become a firm favourite of the fans. Jason Harris signed from Orient for £25,000 and is proving to be a tricky player for defences, while Jonathan Macken is another Man Utd youngster who is continuing to show his skill in front of the goal.

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