Ugo Ehiogu emerged as an unlikely matchwinner against Preston as United again found not a lot of good fortune going their way on Saturday.

They created a multitude of chances in midweek but couldn't convert, and more opportunities were somehow squandered by good fortune this time round.

Kevin Blackwell said: "We haven't had the bounce of the ball again, despite what must have been about fifteen or sixteen attempts although their goalkeeper dealt with most of them comfortably."

Ehiogu's last goal had come in a Glasgow derby and he clearly enjoyed his moment in the limelight after his persistence led to him slamming the ball into the net at the second attempt.

"He has been top class since he arrived and with him, Morgs and Kilgallon I have three top centre-backs and the nice situation of not minding who is paired together," added Blackwell.

"When one has missed out as, Ugo and Chris have done, they have got back in done well - now Killa is in the same situation.

"Ugo has had a lot of injuries in his career late on but our medical team have assessed him, devised a schedule and it suits him because he is fit, sharp and able to play back to back games again.

"On the pitch he reads the game well, doesn't get flustered and can bring the ball out of defence, and he makes a big overall contribution on and off the pitch."