GRAHAM Alexander is full of praise for Michael Appleton’s achievements ahead of the former Preston North End teammates meeting on the touchline for the first time.

The pair spent two seasons together at Deepdale up to 2001 and will renew acquaintances when Alexander’s Scunthorpe United host Oxford United, coached by Appleton, tomorrow.

Both have got a promotion from League Two on their CVs and Alexander is looking forward to the reunion.

He told the Scunthorpe Telegraph: “I’ve known Appy for a long time and he is an excellent coach.

“He is in this side of the game because he had to retire through injury when he was in his prime, which was a real shame.

“He has got a good team at Oxford and it was a fantastic achievement last season getting promoted so it will be a tough game for us.”

He added: “Friendship goes out the window and Appy will be the same.

“As you find with most professionals, you can put personal things aside and concentrate on the job in hand, but it will be good to catch up with him after.”

Appleton said: “They certainly know how to win games, whether they’re playing well or not and that’s the biggest credit I can give to Graham.”