St Johnstone assistant boss Callum Davidson is convinced the Perth club will be in the best possible shape for their Europa League tie in eight days.
Saints will travel to play Cowdenbeath in their first pre-season friendly at Central Park tonight knowing that a date with Rosenborg or Crusaders is looming large on the horizon.
With that in mind, Davidson says supporters can expect to see most of the squad given a run-out in Fife this evening although he believes the Saints players have all kept themselves in tip-top condition in the knowledge that the first competitive game would be swiftly upon them.
He said: “It feels like it has been a long summer for me with uncertainty but it’s amazing that the first pre-season friendly is here already. It’s gone really quickly and it’s been really good so far in training.
“The boys have been absolutely fantastic and this year everyone has come back flying fitness-wise. Everyone right through to Nigel (Hasselbaink), who sometimes doesn’t like pre-season, has been absolutely fantastic.
“It’s all credit to the players because if you let yourself go you get left behind.
“The lads have all come back in good shape and I don’t think it is just down to the European games because nowadays you are in trouble if you don’t look after yourself.”
“It is all so scientific,” added Davidson. “You might be able to cheat your weight by losing fluid but you can’t cheat body fat measurements.
“Players are much better educated these days and they all look after themselves.”
Saints have just two games before their European first leg, with a trip to play Morton to come on Saturday after this evening’s game against Cowdenbeath.
“I think it’s important for the guys to get a good run-out in both games,” he continued. “Some will get 90 minutes, some won’t, but we’ll try to give as many as possible 90 minutes.
“Maybe we could have done with another game for the boys last year for the Europa League tie. These two games are important for us.”
Former Aberdeen striker Rory Fallon may get an opportunity to impress tonight after linking up with Saints for training, although Davidson stressed boss Tommy Wright will only move to sign players he thinks will strengthen the team.
“It’s just about having options and competition if someone is in the team all the time then sometimes they maybe drop their guard,” he added.
“At St Johnstone we can’t afford to have too many players, so it’s about getting the right balance.”
Tonight’s hosts might not have Europe to worry about but Cowden are building towards another important season in the First Division.
The Fife outfit impressed in their first pre-season outing on Saturday by holding Sheffield United to a 1-1 draw and boss Colin Cameron will no doubt want to give as many members of his squad a run against SPL opposition.
Cameron was delighted with the way his side competed against David Weir’s men at the weekend and was also happy to see new signing Jordan Morton get on the scoresheet.
“I thought the workrate from our guys was terrific and we have given ourselves a solid platform to build on for the rest of pre-season,” he said.