 He was out of action for the rest of the 2005–06 season and missed most of the 2006–07 season before returning to action on 17 March 2007 in a 2–0 home win over Lancashire rivals Burnley.It was to be his only appearance that season.On 20 September 2007 he once again joined Gillingham on a month's loan, where he made six appearances, before returning to Preston on 20 October.