The boss was looking forward to the January transfer window as he assessed his squad. His main concern being that Preston had six strikers competing for two positions but only six defenders for four places.
Irvine will hope to switch these figures around in January by offloading some of the frontmen who aren't getting a game. Andy Carrol looks likely to return to Newcastle but Irvine is hoping Gallagher can stay to strike up a partnership with Mellor.
Irvine has also vowed to bolster his defence by bringing in reinforcements for the inevitable injuries and suspensions that will arrive later in the season.
The loan market may well be the way forward as Preston try to muddle through the season by surviving the dreaded drop.