Preston North End boss Ryan Lowe clear on former Liverpool striker Ben Woodburn situation

Goals from Ben Whiteman, Woodburn and Mikey O’Neill gave North End the win at the Sir Tom Finney Stadium. The Lilwyhites were level at the break but nine changes and five minutes later, Whiteman gave them the lead from the spot.

Woodburn and O’Neill took their goals well at the end of good craft from Lowe’s charges.

The former, who was released by Liverpool this summer, has been training with North End since the start of last week as he continues to search for his next club.

PNE boss Lowe feels the situation between the club and the Welshamn is clear.

He said: “He's settled in well since he's been with us training. He's a fantastic player and a fantastic talent, we know that.

"I said to him before the game 'go and enjoy it and showcase what you can do' and he did that. His movement and his interchange with Ben Whiteman was fantastic and he took his goal great. His jumping and knowing when to press and when not to press, his recoveries were fantastic.

"He's a good player, we know what he is and we will continue to monitor him. Ben understands where he's at, we understand where we're at and when there's some news to report on it we will.”

It’s quickly back in to action for the Lilwyhites, though not many will see it. Lowe has lined up a behind closed doors friendly for Tuesday where he is set to experiment before he and his squad head off to Spain.

He said: “We have an in house game on Tuesday and we'll get another look at the lads and get some minutes into them behind closed doors. We want to try a few things which is why it's behind closed doors.

"We have two days build up to Spain and then we go away to play against a good team in Getafe.

"The lads will work their socks off over there - there will be three sessions a day. Early morning, afternoon and night sessions but we feel it will be important for the group.”