Centre-forward Mellor has fired eight goals in pre-season games, including two in the last couple of fixtures against Motherwell and Crewe Alexandra.

"This season is going to be a massive one for me, and I can't wait for it to start, " Mellor told the Evening Post.

"Last season was the first one back from three or four years of non-existent football really.

"I've had the injuries, but I'm desperately hoping that's out of my system now and those worries are behind me.

"Hopefully, I can push on and show people what I can do.

"Obviously, scoring goals is what I'm judged on, and if I'm in the team then I'll be a happy player.

"I finished last season on a high with a few goals, and I've carried that on, featuring in every game pre-season game.

"I feel very fit and that's a really nice thing to say and a nice thing to feel.

"I'm just desperate to try and earn a new contract at Preston, and if I can help to play a part in bringing some success to Preston this season, then hopefully a new contract will come my way.

"I'd love to stay at Deepdale longer – and that's my aim."

Manager Alan Irvine has worked wonders at Deepdale since taking charge from Paul Simpson at the end of 2007, guiding North End to safety after they had looked destined for the drop.

But while the bookmakers have already written off 40-1 shots North End, that doesn't concern the former Liverpool striker who finished the
2007-08 campaign as North End's leading scorer.

>> Click here to listen to our PNE pre-season special podcast featuring Barry Nicholson, Callum Davidson, Paul McKenna, Matt Hill and Chris Sedgwick.

Mellor is convinced there is still sufficient strength in the squad – especially with the arrival of winger Ross Wallace from Sunderland and the possibility of more new faces to follow – to make a challenge for the play-offs.

Mellor, who is in the final year of his Deepdale contract, added: "Everybody is really optimistic, and there's a real sense that something good is happening at Deepdale.

"The players want to be here and they are desperate to make something happen.

"There's a terrific work ethic evolved under Alan Irvine and the whole outlook has changed, with a great hunger to do well.

"He has made his intention very clear that he wants us playing good, attacking football. The Championship, I think, is going to be very open.

"Anybody can go up and we definitely feel we've a strong enough squad to launch a serious top-half challenge.

"The play-offs are definitely a realistic aim for Preston."

Mellor's prolific form is a huge bonus for Irvine as North End prepare for a tough league opener at Ipswich on Saturday.

Irvine said: "Without doubt Neil is fitter now than he has ever been.
"Eight goals in pre-season is a terrific return and that is the platform from which Neil can be successful.

"If you're not fit enough, through injury or other reasons, then obviously the job is made so much harder.

"But Neil looks in great condition, and he's obviously feeling fantastic because he is scoring goals and not missing many chances.

"Right now, he looks a real threat in every game."

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