Mark Travers spoke to afcb.co.uk about getting back with the boys after the winter break.
The goalkeeper linked up with the squad for the mid-season camp in Dubai, having been called up to the Ireland squad ahead of their two friendlies against Norway and Malta.
He admitted how good it was to be back and how he enjoys working with Gary O’Neil, who was confirmed as the club’s new head coach last week.
Speaking to afcb.co.uk, Travers gave his summary of the first full day of the tour:
It’s nice to be back with the boys. Personally, I had a nice little break and everyone seems to come back raring to go.
It’s good training here as it makes it harder for us in the heat. The first session today was very hard and it was important for us to get back up to speed. It was a great start from the boys and we are very excited for next week.
Then when we get back to England we’ll have more work to do before the games start.
It’s great news to see Gary get the job, we had a great run over the last 12 games and before the break. We are looking forward to working with him even more now and hope to have another good run from Christmas Day.
This week gives us a great opportunity to spend some quality time together and relax at the hotel when we get the chance between sessions. It’s good to be in the same environment together and it will prepare us for this reboot.
I think it will put us in a great place for Newcastle in the cup this week, which is our first game when we come back. We only have a short time before that, so it’s important to put in the work.