St Johnstone’s players returned to training for the first time since March as preparations for next season picked up pace.
New manager Callum Davidson, assisted by first team coaches Alec Cleland and Steven MacLean, put the Perth squad through their paces at McDiarmid Park.
Players and coaching staff had gone through two rounds of coronavirus testing this week before taking to the training pitch in small pods on Friday.
Defender Liam Gordon enjoyed the first session under recently-appointed boss Davidson and confirmed there was plenty of hard work.
“We were put through our paces,” said Gordon. “It’s great to get back in amongst it.
“Pre-season is never easy so you need to take it in your stride and get on with it. It will benefit you in the long run.
Jamie McCart set to prove himself all over again under new boss Callum Davidson
“We had been given programmes and all the boys have been ticking over, keeping themselves in reasonable condition for coming back.
“All the boys used to love his [Davidson’s] training before. It’s a high intensity and a lot of ball work which suits most of the players - even me.
“We’re all delighted and can’t wait to get through this hard phase of the pre-season and kick-on.”
Extensive safety measures have been implemented by the club and social distancing is taking place in order to adhere to government guidelines.
“We’re back n groups of two so you’re not getting the full contact with the boys,” Gordon said.
“You are passing some of the boys for five or 10 minutes and you are trying to get a catch up, but obviously have to keep the social distance.
“I’m sure it won’t hamper us in any way. We’ll still get our fitness in and will be working just as hard.”
