I do think right now I would be playing Downing. In no way is he a long term solution, but if you are going to play those in attack, you need a guy who can pick a pass. And like you say, legs have gone, but he does want to play forwards. And can do that better than anyone we have.
Why even play 2 defensive midfielders at home to Preston? We should be going for them, and it was evident at HT that Elliott needed to come on. I felt sorry for Dolan. He played well for a short spell, but drifted out of the game. What was he meant to do, I thought it was odd to bring him on and not Elliott at HT. This is a kid compared to Elliott despite their ages. As one has had an effect.
One thing I am glad about, I wasn't sat there on a freezing cold Fri night in the stands.