David Nugent has set North End's clash with Wolves as the target for his return to action.

The striker has been sidelined since the middle of September after contracting the skin condition, impetigo.

That put him in hospital for two weeks, but little more than a week after being released he's back in training.

He expects to miss Saturday's home game against QPR and Tuesday's night match at Cardiff City.

He told the club's website this week: "I am back in training and now hoping to get fit and back into the side.

"I am hoping to be back by a week on Saturday when I'll be able to make an impact."

Nugent believes he contracted the infection when an insect bit him while on international duty with the England's Under 21 squad in Germany.

It took two weeks to diagnose the condition which took the form of a rash throughout his body.

Nugent added: "I catch things really easily. I've had meningitis, I've had the mumps and now this.

"I'm just the type of person who, if somebody gets something I know I will get it too.

"It's horrible but that's life and you have to get on with it."

In the three games Nugent has missed, North End have only scored twice, collecting two points from a possible nine.

Patrick Agyemang will be the likely partner for Danny Dichio up front against QPR on Saturday, with the former determined to prove his boss that he is a 90 minute man, and not just a super sub.

While the performance upfront has been less than impressive, Carlo Nash's efforts between the sticks have impressed Davies.

Fellow keeper Andrew Lonergan's determination to win back the number one spot is one of the reasons he has opted to spend a month on loan at Wycombe.

Davies said: "Nine months is a long time out. He needs to play at a competitive level. This will give him some games over the next month. It has been difficult for Andy to get in because of the performances of Carlo Nash and we have tremendous competition for that goalkeeping spot. He will benefit greatly from being there." Meanwhile, young striker Mark Jackson has joined Shrewsbury Town, managed by ex-Preston boss Gary Peters, on loan.