Rovers look to have uncovered another prospect from Preston North End as Joe Nolan took his tally to four goals and one assist in just seven Under-23s outings for Rovers.

Nolan set up Sam Burns’ opener in the 5-1 win over Southampton on Monday and got himself on the scoresheet in the 24th minute to continue his fine form.

The 18-year-old was released by North End in the summer, having been part of the same youth side as Tyrhys Dolan, but snapped up by Rovers following a spell on trial late in 2020.

He has since became a regular in Barr’s side in the No.10 position and boss Billy Barr has been delighted by his impact.

“Joe Nolan can score away from goal, he can score facing the goal, he’s got his tricks and he was really good in terms of his general play,” Barr said.

“He has a good habit of arriving in the six-yard box and scoring goals, so long may that continue.”

Indeed, the Under-23s boss was delighted with his side as they cemented second spot in Premier League 2 with a win over the Saints at Leyland.

Nolan’s goal came either side of Burns’ two goals, with Louie Annesley and Sam Durrant completing the scoring.

Bar a spell shortly before the break, in which Southampton reduced the arrears to 3-1, Rovers were in total control from the off.

And Barr added: “I’m as pleased as I’ve been all season.

“I thought we started really well, we had a sloppy five minutes in the first half, but overall we’ve set the standard and that’s what I’ve told the lads after the game.

“The group have been really good in training, the quality has been better and the quality of the performances have been at a good level in games as well.

“The challenge for us is about keeping it that way.”

Burns hasn’t always had the rewards for his tireless performances leading the line, but he now has three in two games after backing up his strike in the 1-1 draw at Spurs.

That included the opener after five minutes, while his second saw him chase down the goalkeeper, blocking the attempted clearance as the ball nestled in the goal.

“I could hear the boys talking about getting an early goal and we’re pleased for Burnsy because he's often worked so hard this season without getting the rewards,” Barr said.

“His second goal is probably more pleasing for me because he always closes down and doesn’t often get the rewards for that.

“He could have got himself a hat-trick in the second half, but he was slow coming back and was caught offside.

“They’re the things we’ve spoken about with him, but we’re pleased with him that he’s got two.”

The impressive Sam Durrant rounded off the scoring late on, but not before Louie Annesley, captaining the side in the absence of the suspended Sam Barnes.

That came from a well-worked set play, as left back Lenny Cirino crossed for the Gibraltar international to score.

“I thought we looked a threat off set pieces over the course of quite a few games now,” Barr said.

“We scored from one of them and Louie’s got himself down as a striker now, he gave the gesture to the bench as well to signal that.

“But it’s pleasing when those moves come off. The group recognises moments of when to execute the moves and it’s worked for Louie and us on this occasion.”