Nicholson has made just 46 appearances for Preston

Preston midfielder Barry Nicholson is targeting a return to the first team squad by the end of October.

The 32-year-old lasted just 14 minutes on his return from a broken leg at Reading's Madejski Stadium in May before suffering the same injury.

"I've only managed a brief appearance in 13 months so I'm desperate to play," Nicholson told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"I've been back training for a few weeks and I'm scheduled to play a reserve game at the end of the month."

Nicholson joined Preston from Scottish Premier League side Aberdeen in July 2008.

It's been easier to come back from this injury than the first one Preston midfielder Barry Nicholson

After scoring three times in his opening nine games he quickly became a fans' favourite.

But the Dumfries-born player broke his leg for the first time in the Championship win over Peterborough in August 2009.

"I've trained with the first-team for the last three or four weeks, but I'm just taking it easy and not putting myself through any stupid challenges," he said.

"Over the last week I've been involved in more contact training, but at the moment my leg feels great.

"The last scan was around three weeks ago and although I thought I was ready to go back in then I think it was a wise decision from the surgeon and the physio team here to wait a bit longer.

"It's been easier to come back from this injury than the first one. Rehab-wise it's not been as tough."

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