Preston North End : Eddie Lewis

jamesp_1927 · Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 9:09 pm

Preston are determined to shrug off the loss of key winger Eddie Lewis and secure a play-off place, believes defender Graham Alexander.

North End lost at Millwall on Sunday, the day after Lewis was ruled out for the season because of an appendicitis.

"It is a blow," Alexander told BBC Sport. "You cannot lie - Eddie is a quality player who gives our team balance and provides great quality.

"We are going to miss him, but we have got a decent enough squad to fill in."

Alexander added: "Any team in our division would miss a player like Eddie."

Striker Patrick Agyemang filled in for Lewis on Sunday, while Callum Davidson, a left-sided player, may have recovered from injury in time to face Wigan on Saturday.

The promotion-chasing Latics defeated Preston 5-0 in a televised game at the JJB Stadium in December.

But Alexander is confident that Preston, who had only lost one of their previous 20 games prior to the defeat at the New Den, will get back to winning ways against Paul Jewell's side.

If we get into the play-offs - and there is still some work to do - we won't be changing our game

Graham Alexander

"We had the other setback against Forest and picked up again after that," he added.

"There is no need to panic and start trying to do doing things because we are only talking about one defeat.

"If we get into the play-offs - and there is still some work to do before we are there - we won't be changing our game.

"The first game against Wigan was a bit of a disaster for us. I don't think we deserved to lose by that scoreline, but 5-0 tells a story.

"I don't think that will play any part on Saturday - both teams have their respective targets and we will be focused on that."

Alexander was named in the Professional Footballers' Association Championship team of the season after a consistent campaign at right-back.

But the 33-year-old feels that several other players could have made the side, which may stand North End in good stead if they reach the play-offs.

"I have been in the play-offs four times but there is a lot of experience throughout the team, we have a decent side that way.

"Paul McKenna, Richard Cresswell and myself were there last time when we met Bolton in the 2001 Division One play-off final and I do think we will be better off for the experience.

"Last time I don't think any of the players had played in a game of that size but many of the Bolton players had so it does help you on the day."

The General · Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 9:24 pm

Still a play off favourite but not a winner!

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Preston North End : Eddie Lewis

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