The Deepdale manager has been having a frustrating time after making just one signing all summer.

But a week after he travelled to the South of England to talk to one target – believed to be Charlton defender Jonathan Fortune – he told the Evening Post: "I've got a couple of plates spinning at the moment.

"Sadly we just don't seem able to complete anything just at this moment.

"There are a couple of things that could drop into place at any time.

Equally, they might never happen. It's just a case of waiting and hoping."

Aberdeen midfielder Barry Nicholson on a free transfer remains Irvine's only success so far.

>> Irvine still unsure of best side

Irvine has a central defender as his top priority now after Neal Trotman joined Liam Chilvers on the casualty list following more hernia surgery.

Irvine is also keen to bring in cover on the left-hand side of midfield with Lewis Neal the only recognised left-winger on the books.

But with Chris Sedgwick showing on Saturday against Morecambe that he is just as comfortable on that side as on the right – he had a hand in all three of North End's goals at Christie Park – the urgency there is not so strong.

Irvine was satisfied with the team performance against the Shrimps, although he insisted the final score should have been greater than 3-0.

Sean St Ledger, Karl Hawley and Neil Mellor put Preston out of sight within the first 23 minutes.

Irvine said: "It was a very good workout. I thought we started the game very well but it was difficult for the lads to get up to that level again in the second half.

"The fact that we made so many substitutions (nine) after the break probably disrupted things.

"The only disappointing thing for me was we didn't take many of the other chances we created. It could and it should have been more.

"But we are only halfway through pre-season and there are still things we need to look at.

"I am delighted with what we have done overall. Morecambe was another step up for us and we got through without injuries, so I have to be delighted."