The former Anfield youngster helped North End to a 3-1 win with a stunning 25-yard chip at the Reds' academy training ground. He also hit the bar.

But he had to leave the field for treatment after he suffered a cut in a challenge from recently-signed Argentinian full-back Emiliano Insua.

Manager Paul Simpson said: "It wasn't serious. He just got caught with a stud.

"It looked as though he might need just a couple of stitches in it, one of this trivial little things that you can stick a plaster over.

"We're hoping it won't keep him out long and he will be available for the weekend.

"The lad wants to play, he wants to be involved, especially with him being a Manchester City fan as a kid and the fact that his dad used to play for them."

Preston's two other goals came from Adam Nowland. The midfielder, now fully recovered from a broken leg suffered a year ago, opened the scoring after just eight minutes with a superb curling free-kick.

Liverpool levelled on 38 minutes when Besian Idrizaj dummied St Ledger and then beat Carlo Nash into the bottom corner.

But Mellor's chip restored the visitors' lead three minutes before the break, and Nowland netted with an inswinging cross on the stroke of half-time to complete the scoring.

Liverpool had three new arrivals – Dutch teenager Jordy Brouwer, Paraguayan defender Ronald Huth and Insua – making their debuts in the game.

North End also had their new signings, Seyfo Soley and Pavel Pergl, on show.

Soley looked a class act playing alongside Sean St Ledger in the centre of defence, while Pergl was in control at left-back.

Patrick Agyemang also had a 45-minute run out, his first since before Christmas.

Simpson said: "It was a good work out for the lads. Very worthwhile.

"Liverpool had a young side out with a few new signings. We had a strong team and it showed.

"It was a really good performance and they were three really good goals."