Record signing Martin Paterson, Kevin McDonald and Christian Kalvenes were all put through their paces with the rest of the squad, with Diego Penny the only absentee after only receiving his work permit to complete a move from Peruvian club Coronel Bolognesi on Friday afternoon.

Owen Coyle, Sandy Stewart and Steve Davis coaxed the players through their first session in searing heat, with the players preparing for their first pre-season friendly on Thursday at Cary Railhawks on the tour of America.

Coyle has been delighted with the players' fitness levels, and said: "I'm pleased with how the lads have trained – they are flying, and long may it continue.

"They've all come back in good shape, and it's a case of stepping it up and getting to where we want to be.

"We have worked on the physical side in the morning, and got the footballs out in the afternoon, which the lads have enjoyed, but the fitness base has to be there first.

"But they've all returned with something to prove – the lads who were in the team want to stay there, the lads on the fringes want to get into the team, and the new lads are also looking to impress, so it's a good mix."