Preston North End boss back last season's top scorer to be up there again with help from Robbie Brady

Emil Riis scored the only goal of the game against Accrington Stanley on Saturday whilst striker partner Ched Evans, as well as Riis, saw efforts produce fine saves from Reds ‘keeper Lukas Jensen.

It is important for Riis to find the net in pre-season as North End’s hopes for goals almost solely rely on last season’s top scorer, who netted 21 times in 2021/22.

The Dane was partnered with Evans who last season scored twice in an injury ravaged season.

Lowe said: “It's good for any striker to get on the scoresheet. The 'keeper made a good save against Ched albeit as a striker you should score.

"The more opportunities you can create the better, especially with Robbie Brady down the left hand side, he can put the ball on the money for you.

"We've got to be in the right place at the right time to put it in the net.”

After having a breakthrough season at Deepdale last season, expectation is something that 24-year-old Riis is going to have to deal with.

He teased throughout the season that he had a goal target in mind but was not for revealing it as he kept finding the net.

Lowe feels his system, and new wide man Robbie Brady, will continue to help Riis find goals.

He said: "I push Emil on a daily basis, we speak about it all the time, but I'm never going to say you need to set this target or that target.

"As a striker I never wanted them, I had my own target and I'm sure he will have his own target.

"All I can do is push him on a daily basis to make sure he goes and performs and gets in the right areas.

"If he continues to get into the right areas I think with the way we play and how effective we are - with Brady down one side and the two 8's - we have quality in abundance who can put them on a plate for him.

"As long as he continues to get into the right areas he will continue to score goals.”