Micky Mellon feels that Saturday's pre-season friendly against Scottish Premiership champions Rangers at Prenton Park represents a “great opportunity” for his Tranmere Rovers side.
Rovers host Steven Gerrard’s Gers in a fixture which will mark Mellon’s first game back at the club.
Taking on the title-winners from Ibrox, who went unbeaten in their league campaign, provides Mellon’s players with a chance to “learn” from the experience.
“I’m looking forward to seeing where we are up to as a team at the minute,” he told the ECHO.
“It’s a great opportunity against the Scottish champions and it’s a great chance for us to see where we are up to as a group, and it is the ultimate test.
“We’ve still got a few players that we want to bring in, but the group that we have so far, have done very well, and it’s time for a game to see where we are up to in terms of fitness and tactically to see what we can do.
“We will have a massive test from Rangers, but we will learn a lot from the game about what we have to do moving forward after the final whistle.
“I know how good a team Rangers are, but the important thing is that we get what we need to get out of it for Tranmere, which is that fitness and where we can improve, and to keep moving us towards that kick-off.”
The Rovers boss, 49, is looking forward to managing in front of the club’s supporters again for the first time since he returned.
Tranmere are allowed to accommodate a reduced crowd of 3,400 home fans when Rangers visit, but grounds are set to be back at full capacity once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted on July 19.
Mellon added: “I’m really looking forward to getting back to Prenton Park. Everyone knows how much I love the football club and the fans.
“I’m looking forward to getting out there again and seeing the fans, but the most important thing is about getting this group of players organised and getting their fitness up and keep moving the group forward to the team that they all want to see for the football club and for the fans.”
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