Clough Pleased With Shape Of Squad

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Rams boss Nigel Clough has revealed he is delighted with the condition of his side, ahead of the players' return to pre-season training on Thursday.

The Rams' coaching staff have held fitness tests and weight checks at various times during the close season, and Clough believes that all the players are now ready and raring for the new campaign.

He told Rams Player: 'We've checked on them over the summer by checking their weight and doing general fitness checks and we are very pleased with them.

''We've got a young, fit, enthusiastic squad as it is, so when you get those sort of players, they look after themselves and they are going to be raring to go when they come back."

In a summer that saw Craig Bryson and Jeff Hendrick called up for international duty with Scotland and the Republic of Ireland under-21s respectively, Clough admits he may have to integrate the pair at a slower pace.

He added: ''It might be a case of holding one or two of them back in the first week, Craig Bryson will probably be able to play a game a few days after coming back from pre-season!

"We will be telling some of them to go steady because they are that enthusiastic.

''Craig wasn't in for the fitness tests but he came in and said he may as well do it whilst he is here.

"We have players in the squad like that, but when you are in your mid 20's it is key to keep yourself ticking over."

The players start pre-season training on the 12th July, with the first pre-season friendly away to Mansfield Town on 25th July (7.30pm kick-off).

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[top 6 finish]

Wow bloody brilliant.Cant wait to get at em.No excuses then top 6 finish here we come 'http://www.dcfcfans.co.uk/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=';)' />