Dundee United boss Jackie McNamara will have one eye on how Scottish clubs are faring in Europe this week and says he would love to lead his men on a continental adventure this time next year.
Despite being almost 2,000 miles away from home in the blistering heat of San Roque, McNamara was keen to see how his former club Celtic got on against Cliftonville last night and will be just as interested as St Johnstone and Hibs get their Europa League campaigns under way this evening.
And while talk of any challenge for European places at the end of this coming season may be premature, it is a target McNamara is certainly hoping his players can reach.
“Of course Europe is an aim for us this season,” he said. “It’s where you want to be and if you want to have a successful season then that means playing in Europe.
“For us, I think it’s important that we try to get off to a good start and then we can see where we are.
“But that’s obviously the aim, trying to get top six first of all and then seeing if we can get a European place.
“It would be great for the fans and everyone at the club if we could achieve something like that.”
United were hard at work preparing for their next pre-season friendly, which will be against local outfit San Roque on Friday.
Striker Ryan Gauld was back training after his recent groin problem, while United fans will be boosted by the sight of defender Gavin Gunning also returning to action.
French trialist Jean Yves Koue was being put through his paces, along with fellow trialists Graham Carey and Nadir Ciftci and all three will be keen to impress if they get a chance.
Michael Gardyne sat out training with a groin strain but should return to training, according to McNamara.
One sour note was a knee injury to young defender Luke Johnston after a challenge by team-mate Calum Butcher perhaps a sign of how enthusiastic the United squad are heading into the new campaign.
McNamara added: “There’s a couple of wee niggles. Luke hurt his knee and Andrew (Robertson) went over on his ankle but hopefully they will be all right by the end of the week.
“It looked a sore one for Luke but we’ll speak to the physio and see how he is. Hopefully, it’s nothing too serious.
“It’s been very hot and the last couple of mornings when we started at 9am it’s been not too bad but this morning it was a good bit hotter.
“Obviously the boys are working harder and the heat has taken a lot out of them. But I think they’ll feel the benefits of that when they get home.
“We’ve been working on everything really, from defence through to the attackers. We did a bit of shape work in a wee game on Tuesday morning before the sun burnt through but it’s obviously about fitness at this stage as well.
“We’ve been playing some high-intensity games which are all about possession and that keeps the boys going.”
McNamara admitted there is no news as yet on the future of Richie Ryan or Brian McLean, who has been linked with a move to Ross County.
However, rumours that Celtic striker Tony Watt might be on his way to Tannadice have been dismissed.