ONE of the hardest tasks in the Premier League is to score goals because attackers are up against some of the best defenders in Europe.

That is why I was pleased to hear that we had signed a couple of players who could boost our goalscoring options if need be.

We finally got our man in George Boyd after having two bids rejected for him as far back as the summer of 2011 when he played for Peterborough United. Mind you, as a self-confessed Crystal Palace fan, if he does get a game on Saturday at their place, if I see a 30-yard own goal off him questions will be asked!

Nevertheless, a winger with an overall scoring ratio of almost one in four games has to be worth a go.

Promising England Under 21 star Nathaniel Chalobah, on loan from Chelsea, also packs a fierce shot and should also be a valuable asset in the quest for goals if considered a midfield choice.

We know there is not going to be a repeat of last season when Sam Vokes and Danny Ings went on to score 20-plus goals apiece in sensational style. In fact, we have to concede it will be hard for any of our forwards to reach even half that amount.

Which all means, more than ever, the goals will have be shared around the team with added emphasis for midfield to weigh in with a few more.

It’s a big ask for a unit that is already probably the busiest on the pitch, but I consider that their goals contribution come the end of the season will determine whether we ‘sink or swim’.

After a two-week break Burnley return to Premier League action on Saturday down at Crystal Palace. In doing so, they resume acquaintance with one of our regular old adversaries in Neil Warnock.

We seem to have faced his teams more than most clubs as he jumps aboard the managerial merry-go-round once again with the south Londoners.

The confidence boost that must have been gained from our shut-out against Manchester United, together with the acquisition of our three new players, should send us along to Selhurst Park in good heart to face what always is a resolute, well organised team when NW is in charge.

It was only a few years ago when I reported a wily fox running amok through the stands at Palace after unwittingly wandering into the ground.

Well let me tell you, that sly old fox has return, this time in the technical area in front of the Crystal Palace dugout.