Troy Parrott will deliver some New Year's delight to Ireland manager Stephen Kenny when he makes his return to action in the middle of January.
The Ireland striker has been out of action since he suffered a freak hamstring injury in October, as he celebrated his match-winner in the 3-2 win against Norwich.
Parrott is back on the pitch in training and is eager to make a comeback, according to Preston boss Ryan Lowe, but his parent club Tottenham will have the final say on when he is available.
READ MORE: Pele's Dalymount Park visit remembered 50 years later following Brazilian legend's passing
And that means the Dubliner - who joined Preston on a season-long loan deal last summer - will have to be patient and wait another couple of weeks.
“Troy is back on the grass now and continuing his rehab and we are putting finishing sessions on,” said Lowe.
“He is doing fantastically well. He has got a date in mind and I wish his date was the same as mine because if it was he would be playing.
“We have got to be governed by Tottenham as well because he is their player.
“He is due to be assessed by them in the coming days and if they give him the green light then he can push on.
“Hopefully we will get him back soon. It will definitely be in January.
“We are hoping for the Huddersfield game and if it is not Huddersfield then it will be the Norwich game.
“So that is a couple of weeks off. He is chomping at the bit now but we have to make sure that we do things right by him.”
There is good news too for Robbie Brady, who is on the verge of a first appearance since he suffered a calf injury in Ireland’s November friendly defeat against Norway.
Lowe said: “He had a bug last week so he was knackered for four days. But he is coming along nicely and saying he will be ready soon.
“But I am obviously governed by the physios and we have got to make sure we do things right. But he is coming along great.”
Ireland striker Sean Maguire is another Preston man battling back from injury - but he has suffered a setback.
The 12-time capped forward hasn’t featured since early last month against Millwall.
“Seanie has picked up a niggling little injury. It has been one step forward and two back for him,” said Lowe.
“There was a time a couple of weeks ago when it looked like he was going to start then all of a sudden we lose him. So it has been frustrating for Seanie as well.”
READ NEXT:
Scotland linked Ben Healy's future 'uncertain' admits Munster boss Graham Rowntree
Three Stripe Life and Unexpected Depth suffer fatal injuries at Leopardstown
'Lovely man' Henry de Bromhead hailed after emotional interview remembering son Jack in Leopardstown
No complacency insists Jamison Gibson-Park as Leinster strive to make it lucky 13 this season
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
