Heckingbottom hopes Armstrong returns from Everton
'We have to make sure we don't finish this [transfer] window in a weaker place than we came into it' - Heckingbottom
- Published
Preston North End boss Paul Heckingbottom has confirmed he is preparing for Everton midfielder Harrison Armstrong to return to the club before the end of the Championship season.
The 18-year-old was recalled by the Toffees on New Year's Day to cover for a depleted squad, but the North End boss still harbours hope that the Liverpudlian will return to complete his loan spell at Deepdale.
"I'm preparing for him to come back," Heckingbottom told BBC Radio Lancashire.
"It's not down to me. You hope for the best and prepare for the worst.
"If something happens with Harrison and he doesn't come back, we need to fill that one [spot in the squad]."
In a boost to the squad, defender Lewis Gibson will be in contention for Saturday's Championship home game against Derby County (15:00 GMT).
The 25-year-old has missed 14 league games with a thigh injury but played 45 minutes on his return to action in Friday's FA Cup defeat by Wigan.
"He's trained now - when we get to the Derby game - for almost a month," Heckingbottom added. "He's in a good place, he's happy.
"You can see when someone's not considering the previous injury in how they are playing in training so yeah, he's fine."
Listen to the full interview and more Preston North End content on BBC Sounds.
