Wright set to retire

The 21-year-old has been sidelined for over 18 months with the injury and is no nearer a playing comeback.

Wright has visited leading surgeon Mr Villa but he has failed to respond to treatment and North End are preparing the forward for the worst.

"It doesn't look too optimistic at the moment," Preston boss Craig Brown told the club's official website.

"It is a career threatening injury, we are not denying that, and it would be a great loss because he is a super guy."

Lilywhites physio Andrew Balderston admitted a firm decision on Wright's future is likely to be made at the end of the month.

Balderston said: "Mark sat down with me and we had a long chat before we went to see the surgeon in May.

"After meeting Mr Villa he wanted us to give it another six weeks, unfortunately there hasn't been any further progress in the three to four weeks since we spoke to him.

"We are due to see Mr Villa at the end of the month and all likelihood is that it will be a permanent disability and a career-ending injury I am afraid."

Meanwhile, Preston chief Brown is contemplating a change of tactics for the team's away matches next season after being dissatisfied with just five wins on their travels.

He added: "I would hope to tighten things up defensively particularly away from home and be a little more cagey there, and rely a bit more on the counter-attack."