COLCHESTER United defender Bela Balogh joined up with the Hungary team for Wednesday night's friendly international against Italy.However, Balogh did not feature during Hungary's 3-1 victory, after picking up a slight hamstring injury last week.

By Carl Marston

COLCHESTER United defender Bela Balogh joined up with the Hungary team for Wednesday night's friendly international against Italy.

However, Balogh did not feature during Hungary's 3-1 victory, after picking up a slight hamstring injury last week.

The 23-year-old is yet to make a full appearance for the U's, since signing on a season-long loan from MTK Hungaria this summer. He broke his nose in a pre-season friendly at Bromley. Balogh has so far earned seven caps for Hungary.

Meanwhile, left-winger Kevin McLeod will miss the U's trip to Preston tomorrow. McLeod limped off with a groin injury during last weekend's 2-2 home draw against Barnsley.

That could pave the way for a first league start for summer signing Luke Guttridge, since his move from Leyton Orient.

Target-man Clive Platt serves the second of a three-match suspension, which means that Teddy Sheringham and Kevin Lisbie are set to partner each other up front.

The duo played the first 26 minutes against Barnsley, before keeper Dean Gerken's sending off caused manager Geraint Williams to sacrifice Lisbie, in preference for substitute keeper Mark Cousins.

Gerken is suspended for the Deepdale clash. Aidan Davison will deputise, if he can overcome a niggling back problem.

Otherwise, Cousins will get the nod.