LOWE ON A HIGH AS RIIS CAPS COMEBACK

RYAN Lowe paid tribute to Emil Riis after the striker scored his first goal in more than 15 months to lead Preston to victory at Cardiff City.

- Oliver Bell

It was Riis’ first goal since returning from a year-long lay-off due to an ACL injury – with his last strike coming against Middlesbrough in October 2022.

“We’ve all been waiting for Emil to come back,” said the Lilywhites boss Lowe.

“He looked strong physically. I’m pleased with his goal, for him and his teammates – they’re all pleased for him.

“The build-up to it was fantastic and the way he took it, so I’m really pleased for him. It’s huge to have him back.

“At some point he’s going to have to have a break.

“We’re just trying to mould him into a perfect striker. But we do need to be careful with him. We can’t just slog him all the way through. We’ll manage his days and his loads.