As starts go, it's been a tough one for Preston North End.

Simon Grayson's side sit 23rd in the table, only one point ahead of rock-bottom Blackburn Rovers.

Defeats to Ipswich Town, Derby County, Fulham and Reading in the league have left them in a poor position going into the international break but unlike some of their rivals, it hasn't been shocking.

They've only shipped five goals in their four defeats and it seems like the problem for the Lilywhites will be scoring goals at the other end, not conceding them.

And whilst they've relied pretty heavily on the likes of Jermaine Beckford and Joe Garner over the past couple of seasons, we want to have a look if there are any hidden gems in this side.

Players that don't always get the headlines but always seem to be consistent on the pitch.

So with that in mind, here's three Preston players who have been underrated in their squad this season...

Aiden McGeady

Former Everton winger Aiden McGeady joined the Lilywhites on a loan move on deadline day and could serve to be a signing that keeps them up.

They've been struggling for goals this season and sit 23rd in the league because of their inability to hit the back of the net.

Manager Simon Grayson will be hoping he can grab some goals to help them push away from the relegation zone.

He'll go straight into the squad and could prove to be an extremely handy signing from the get go, if they can get him going nice and quickly.

Underrated at Everton but could be fantastic at Deepdale.

Marnick Vermijl

Another one who is back, Marnick Vermijl also joined the club on deadline day having had a loan spell at the club last season.

Former Manchester United defender Vermijl had struggled to settle after leaving Old Trafford but had a great spell at Deepdale last season.

He was extremely solid and added real defensive steel the the back four.

Now he's back and Preston's back-four is looking pretty strong indeed.

Defence is well stocked now, goals is what they need now.

Jermaine Beckford

Another former Everton prodigy, Jermaine Beckford is going to be a huge player for Preston this season if he can start scoring again.

He had his best spell with Leeds United back in the 2008-2009 season but even at 32, he's lightning quick and can hit the back of the net.

Confidence may the issue here but with Aiden McGeady now on one of the flanks, he'll hope to get a little more service and a few more chances.

An underrated striker right now, but he has the potential to be huge for the Lilywhites as the season progresses.