Rovers midfielder pleased to get up and running ahead of Portugal training camp.
James Coppinger said he was pleased to be get back on the pitch after Wednesday’s 2-0 friendly win over non league Frickley.Coppinger assisted one of Nathan Tyson’s brace in a routine evening where the first team squad – barring Andy Williams and Richard Chaplow – were utilised.
“It’s nice to feel the ball again. This game's come quite early but it’s nice to get on the pitch and that’s where you get your fitness,” said the evergreen midfielder.
“Twisting and turning is good practice for what you do on a Saturday and that's what’s important, it's good to get it out of the way and step up this pre season.
“I enjoyed it. I thought it was a good workout. We played two teams in either half and I was involved in the second and I thought the lads worked really hard. We’ve got the two goals which was really pleasing.”
Rovers now head to the familiar – and far warmer – climes of Portugal at the weekend as pre-season hots up.
“Portugal will be tough, we've been in the last couple of years and it’s no holiday, it’s three sessions per day and it’s tough with the heat but its a good test and it's stood us in good stead during the last three seasons in terms of fitness so going out there will be good for the new faces,” said Coppinger.
“We’ve only been in for a week and a half and the longer pre-season goes then the more we'll see of the new signings and the more we'll gel together but so far so good, we're looking to add more of course to improve the squad.
“The manager and everyone behind the scenes has done really well. They know what they want [in terms of recruitment] and they’ve built on last season. We’ve got some quality in this squad and if we get a few more then we have a chance.”
See Copps in action in our next pre-season friendly, against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday 21st July 2015 (7:45pm). CLICK HERE for tickets or call 01302 762576.