Leon Knight is prepared to play through the pain barrier for rock-bottom Albion against Preston at Withdean tomorrow.

The striker suffered a shin injury during the 2-1 Carling Cup defeat against League Two club Bristol Rovers at Withdean on Tuesday when Maheta Molango (thigh) and Danny Cullip (groin) also picked up knocks.

But the injury crisis eased yesterday when Knight came through training unscathed along with Molango and Cullip.

Manager Mark McGhee said: "I spoke to Leon after training and he told me the shin is still very painful and tender but is prepared to play through it. That's great for us.

"Danny looks as though he'll be okay and Molango will be fine."

Charlie Oatway will not be ready to make his first appearance of the season.

The midfielder has been recovering from a hamstring problem.

McGhee said: "Who is to say when he can play again? Each week he is getting closer but he will not figure against Preston."

The news on long-term injury casualities Richard Carpenter (knee) and Chris McPhee (foot) is more encouraging.

Neither have played for the first team this season but both came through a full training session yesterday.

McGhee said: "They are doing their pre-season now and going fine."

Albion have collected only one point from their opening four Coca-Cola Championship fixtures after defeats against Reading, Plymouth Argyle and Wigan Athletic.

Albion could be up against four survivors of the Preston teams which won on their last two visits to Withdean.