Alan Irvine and Mark McGhee's thoughts after PNE

Mark McGhee
By grabar
July 30 2008

The two manager's gave their thoughts after the 1-1 draw at Fir Park tonight and both were happy with the test their side was given. Mark McGhee is looking for more in the final third while Irvine felt his side were given a good test against a good quality side.

Mark McGhee said after the game, "There were a lot of good things to be taken from the game, our possession and shape were good. We do need to find a cutting edge and the pass that will create the chance to shoot, or create more attempts at goal."

On young striker Jamie Muprhy he added, "He is coming on well but at the moment we are not sure if he will start right away. We have the eleven who started tonight plus Jamie, Marc Fitzpatrick and Darren Smith to choose a starting eleven from."

Jim O'Brien played as a trialist again, "I have spoken to Celtic today and given them my proposal and I am quite hopeful."

He then spoke on the chances of signing Simon Lappin or Souleymane Mamam, "Simon Lappin has been let go by Norwich but they will want a fee and his wages are out of our budget therefore that is unlikely. Mamam did well and we will need to decide whether we want another midfield player or not. It may depend on what happens with Jim O'Brien."

Preston boss Alan Irvine felt it was a decent test for his side, "It was the toughest test of our pre-season, and having watched Motherwell a few times last season I knew it would be tough as they are a good side.

"The game was played at a higher tempo than many pre-season games I have seen this season.

"I enjoyed the game, and a team like Motherwell wouldn't look out of place in the Championship.

"It was a good game and may even be the best game of football we play in all season."