Jack Ross has hailed the physical condition of his HIbs squad as they kick-off their pre-season training camp in Cheshire.
The Hibees have headed south for a week’s training, and they play Accrington Stanley this afternoon before taking on Stoke City in a second friendly game this Friday.
They’ll then return to Edinburgh for a glamour tie with Arsenal at Easter Road as they ramp up the level of opposition.
Ross has explained that the shorter pre-season this year compared to last means his men are back in top shape ahead of their Europa Conference League tie this month and should be able to hit the ground running by the time their Premiership opener againstMotherwell comes around.
“It’s been a very different pre-season in terms of planning from last year,” he told Hibs TV. “With everything that was going on and the disruption everybody had, we had a very long pre-season. It was pretty much eight weeks, which is normally unheard of.
“This year it’s much more condensed before our first competitive match in Europe. The cup final involvement meant the time period of rest for the players was shorter. That’s meant the players have come back in really good condition. I’m delighted with what they’ve produced physically. The really pleasing aspect is the quality they’ve shown.
“It was emphasised to them that they are a good group and good players but they’ve shown that in abundance since they’ve come back.
“So we’re delighted with where we’re at at this early stage.”
