There is not a side in the English Football League to have experienced such contrasting starts to the new season at opposite ends of the pitch, with his defence flying high with just a single goal conceded, but his attack struggling on just two goals.

Five games in and boss Alex Neil have every right to be concerned by his side’s attacking output, and may turn to free agency in the coming weeks to fill the goalscoring void.

Neil has options in Callum Robinson, Jordan Hugill and Sean Maguire, and with transfer speculation surrounding the latter two now subsiding, the goals are expected to return to Deepdale.

However, if the drought continues, Neil may consider a swoop for a different option, with Rickie Lambert on the look-out for a new club.

The former Southampton and Liverpool striker suffered disappointing spells with the Reds and West Brom, but a decent spell with Cardiff last year restored some of his prowess.

Linking up with Neil’s men would provide the 35-year-old with another chance, and the Scottish boss with another option up front.

Neil will retain faith in the trio currently on the books, and Hugill and Robinson will undoubtedly rediscover the form they showed last year.

Maguire was prolific in Ireland for Cork, and the goals will begin to flow once again in the English game.

Lambert is an option should Neil need it, and someone of his characteristics will certainly be a feasible option to the former Norwich boss.

For now he will persist with his trio, but the experience Lambert is available if the goals fail to flow.

Can Lambert still cut it at this level?