championship news

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Preston midfielder Paul McKenna has undergone surgery in a bid to cure his long-running groin injury.

McKenna is expected to miss the first three months of the season after having the operation during the club's pre-season tour of America.

Preston's head physio Steve Kemp told the club's official website, www.pne.com: "We are hoping that between eight and 12 weeks he will be back out playing football."

Meanwhile, manager Paul Simpson has revealed the club have had a bid accepted for an unnamed player, but any deal is on hold until the club return from their tour of the US.

LEICESTER boss Martin Allen has confirmed that striker Carl Cort will not be travelling with the squad for their pre-season trip to Scotland.

The 29-year-old joined the Foxes on a free transfer from Wolves at the end of last season, and Allen revealed that a hamstring injury has forced him to leave the former Newcastle forward behind.

"Carl picked up a hamstring injury in training on Thursday which means he will be out for a couple of weeks," he told the club's official website, www.lcfc.co.uk.

COLCHESTER boss Geraint Williams is keen to have another look at trialists Kevin Lisbie and Bela Balogh.

Both impressed during Saturday's 3-0 win over Heybridge, with Lisbie scoring the opening goal and Hungary international Balogh producing an assured display in defence.

Williams told the East Anglia Daily Times: "We have to judge whether they would be able to do something for Colchester United. Kevin looked quite sharp for this stage of pre-season, and he took his goal well.

"Bela did well, but as a centre-half we need to see him defend more. We will make decisions soon, to be fair to them and the rest of the squad."

IPSWICH are ready to allow Ian Miller and Sammy Moore to move on loan to DARLINGTON and BRENTFORD respectively.

Defender Miller, 23, is poised to join the Quakers until January, with 19-year-old midfielder Moore likely to move to Brentford on a month-long deal.

Magilton told the club's official website, www.itfc.co.uk: "Ian enjoyed his time at Darlington last season (Miller made seven appearances during a loan period), so it makes sense for him go there for another spell.

"We are well covered for central defenders at the moment, and Ian going on loan will allow him to play regular first-team football over the first half of the season, which will be beneficial to him and us."

Regarding Moore, Magilton added: "The next stage for Sammy's development is to get him out playing games, and a loan move would provide him with that opportunity."

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY boss Brian Laws has slammed the "absolutely disgusting" racial abuse two of his players were subjected to by a section of Groningen fans on Saturday.

Owls duo Wade Small and Leon Clarke were taunted by home supporters as their tour of Holland ended on a sour note.

Laws was also furious with the dismissal of Chris Brunt in a 1-1 draw with the UEFA Cup qualifiers, which could see the winger suspended for the start of the season along with Deon Burton, who was sent off against Heerenveen last week.

The Wednesday boss told the Sheffield Star: "It's an unbeaten tour but I'm just sick to the stomach at losing two players. I spoke to the referee before the game and said if there were any problems I would take players off."

He added: "To cap it all there were racist remarks made to our players in the corner by the fans which was absolutely disgusting."

Marvin Bartley has become BOURNEMOUTH's fourth summer signing after an impressive two-week trial period.

The 21-year-old midfielder has been handed a 12-month contract by boss Kevin Bond following notable performances in friendly games against Hamworthy, Weymouth and Southampton.

Bartley, who turned out for Ryman League side Hampton & Richmond last season, joins Paul Telfer, Jo Kuffour and Russell Perrett as the Cherries' new faces this summer.

BARNET have brought in Danish goalkeeper Mikkel Andersen on a "work experience" deal from Reading.

Andersen, 19, is likely to play in Tuesday's friendly at non-league Bishop's Stortford.

BRADFORD boss Stuart McCall has offered a contract to former Hartlepool full-back Darren Williams, but fellow trialists Simon Johnson, Kris Gate and Peter Leven have left the club after failing to secure a deal, with Johnson joining HEREFORD on trial.