The Manager spoke to RedTV this week in Cork:
“We have Niall McGinn, Connor McLennan and Craig Bryson still that bit behind.
“We are hoping we can get them up to speed and they can join the squad. Scott McKenna joined us on Monday after his international exploits. So once we can get those three back onto the pitch and training fully with the rest of the players, the squad starts to look a bit stronger and bit more like we would want it.
“With the addition of Greg Leigh, and hopefully one or two more, we can be pleased with how we are set up for the season.
Craig Bryson
“We have a lot to thank Derby for, and the Craig situation was all quite straight forward in the end. He has a fantastic relationship with the people there so he they were really accommodating which allows him to be with us now which is important.
“He has an ankle issue at the moment. We are hopeful we can get good work into him and the rehab that he needs so we can get him onto the pitch before too long.
“We would certainly like him in centre midfield for that first game.”
Training Camp
“Last year when we were here, the temperatures were very unusual.
“It was extremely hot and it was a factor when we were trying to get the work into the players. The reason we don’t go to countries with those high temperatures is because we are mindful players are training twice, sometimes three times a day and we have to try and make sure the conditions are right for them. Last season was a bit more difficult to get the work in, but this year the weather is a bit more normal.
“As we said last year the facilities here are terrific. Players are staying in lodges just off the side of the pitch. We eat well in the hotel, we get enough rest and recovery – everything we want here is catered for and everything the players need for the working week.
“There are also two very good pitches of a high standard which is very important when you are trying to do as much football work as possible as well as the physical and fitness work.”
Understanding
“Anytime you get away with the team I think it is important you get that familiarity with the players.
“It is important they get to know each other both on the pitch in terms of relationships but also off the pitch as well. With the way the accommodation is here, you have a chance to get three or four players in together. The players are not stuck away on their own. You can get the new players mixing with the players who have been here a while, you can get some of the younger players in with the senior players; you want to just try and get that mix and relationships built.
“With the Europe game coming around so quickly, it is important that we do have that understanding as quickly as possible.
Fitness
“Again we have the experience of doing this the past six years.
“Our first pre-season when we came in was very different, it was a more traditional pre-season. It was like when I played, you were trying to get the players fit for the full season, not just ready for the games coming up.
“The European games accelerate our work.
“You try and get the balance right in the close season of making sure they get enough rest and have a chance to switch off so they come here fresh after having a mental break, but mindful we have to fire them up and get them ready to go.
“Over the course of the season, the way the players are, if they are out for three or four weeks, you understand there is not going to be too much of a deterioration in their fitness. And that is where we are now. But it is important we try and get that power and strength into their legs, get their aerobic work up and make sure they are able to compete at the standard we are going to have to compete at during the European games when they come around.
“We have to make sure that intensity is there, the competitive side is certainly there which is important. The games coming up will help.”
