The Deepdale boss took stock after three wins in the opening week of the new season and declared: "It has been a fantastic beginning for us.

"Everyone is feeling really good about themselves.

"They were feeling good as a result of a very good pre-season and this has simply reinforced that.

"The lads believe in what we did in pre-season, they believe in themselves and in what they are doing for each other.

"There is a great deal of optimism about the place after such a good start.

"But that's all it is, a start."

North End now have a clear week to prepare for the visit to Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.

Victory there would make it four out of four – the club's best start since 1933.

But they will have to go to Hillsborough without their most experienced player, full-back Callum Davidson.

The 32-year-old had a scan on his left knee last night and Preston are
anxiously awaiting the results.

Davidson made the trip to Scotland on Sunday to report to national team boss George Burley ahead of the Northern Ireland friendly at Hampden Park on Wednesday, even though he has no chance of playing.

He was checked out by the Scots' medical team before returning south.
Irvine explained: "He went up there just to make sure that everyone in
Scotland knew that he was keen to be involved.

"It was his decision to go up and show his face.

"He didn't want anyone thinking he was pulling out lightly."

Davidson was called up last week after a six-year absence from the inter-national scene and is now hoping his injury clears up in plenty of time to be involved for the opening World Cup qualifiers next month.

Preston are keeping their fingers crossed that a provisional diagnosis by their own medics proves correct and the problem is not long-term.

For more from Alan Irvine, pick up a copy of Tuesday's Lancashire Evening Post.

>> Match report: PNE 2 Crystal Palace 0
>> Nicholson claiming his first North End goal