I'm delighted to see Joe | back with us

GELHARDT COULD FACE PRESTON

- By BARRY COOPER

City's Joe Gelhardt could face Preston

(STEPHEN POND/ GETTY IMAGES)

Hull City are preparing for the return of leading scorer Joe Gelhardt when they travel to face playoff rivals Preston at Deepdale tonight, and assistant boss Dean Holden can't wait to welcome him back.

Gelhardt hasn't played since limping out of the 4-1 home defeat to Middlesbrough at the beginning of December, having notched his tenth goal of a stunning campaign in the second half from the penalty spot.

The 23-year-old has missed the last seven Championship games plus the FA Cup win over Blackburn, but is expected to feature in the squad at Deepdale, as City look to back up Saturday's fine win at Southampton and go four points clear of the team directly below them in the top six.

"We're hoping so. He's back with the group again, so we'll see how he comes through training," Holden told the Mail.