Goalkeeper Matt Gilks is ready for the training camp he and his teammates will face when they visit Austria for a week.
United make the trip there for seven days on Saturday and, as well as training hard during that time, face two matches against SK Strobl and SV Austria Salzburg on Tuesday and Friday respectively.
The 35-year-old spoke to iFollow Iron about that, and also reflected on pre-season so far and Wednesday night’s 2-2 friendly draw at York City.
ON THE YORK TEST JUST GONE…
MG: York played really well in the first half and for a spell in the second but, on a positive note, it was good to come back and get a 2-2 draw. We’re jumbling the players around and making sure everyone gets equal game time. The gaffer is having a look at everybody and we all need to get to know each other as a team still. These games are all about getting the game time and sharing it up amongst the squad. The key is to avoid any injuries.
ON HIS VOCAL PRESENCE…
MG: It’s a massive part of my game, I’m at the back and see everything. I can tell the lads ‘left/right shoulder’ so they don’t have to look, know where their man is and can concentrate on the ball. It just helps make their lives easier. I’ve done it (been vocal) all my career, and it is one of the strongest points of my game. The more I can help and encourage the better.
"I’ve heard it’s a bit of a slog! But it’s pre-season and that’s what we’re here for."
ON THE PRE-SEASON TRIP TO AUSTRIA…
MG: I’ve heard it’s a bit of a slog! But it’s pre-season and that’s what we’re here for - to reach peak fitness as quickly as we can. We have two games while there, so hopefully we can get two wins and come through them with no injuries.
ON HOW HE’S SETTLING IN…
MG: I’m settling in great and getting to know everyone around the club. I’m fitting in really well and enjoying it.
See much more from Matt Gilks on iFollow Iron.