Fixture release day brought an added buzz to St Johnstone WFC training.
The Perth side are being put through their paces ahead of a planned Scottish Women’s Premier League 2 start on Sunday, October 18.
Jason McCrindle’s Saints have been handed a home opener against Queen’s Park before then facing three away games against Glasgow Women, Partick Thistle and Aberdeen.
“It gives the players something to focus on and something to look forward to,” McCrindle told the Perthshire Advertiser.
“We played Queen’s Park in the first game of last season. It was a good result and performance.
“They have obviously strengthened in this break so it will be a different type of game and a different proposition.
“But if we continue to work as hard as we are now, we’ll go into the match full of confidence.”
McCrindle praised his players for their efforts in keeping up fitness levels during the COVID-19 lockdown.
He said: “They were working hard during the lockdown and have taken it upon themselves to keep up their own fitness.
“The players have had to adapt, but the attitude has been excellent.
“We came back to training recently and they returned even better than what they did at the start of last season.
“And because they have kept themselves so fit, it won’t be like a normal pre-season.
"They have missed training so much and we are following all of the guidelines.
“Now that there is contact training, I think a lot of them are taking their frustrations out. It’s good to see the competitive side is still there.
“The quality is already high and they are looking forward to the league start.”
While pleased with the strength of his squad, McCrindle would not rule out a new face being introduced to the group in the coming weeks.
“We were really happy with the squad that we had last year,” he explained.
“But if someone becomes available that we feel will strengthen the squad, then we’ll look to get something done.”
