Chris Shuker said he was pleased to have returned to pre-season training, despite the hard work the squad were being put through.

He told www.tranmererovers.co.uk: "It was good to be back. It's not the best start when you've got a bleep test then a seven mile run, but it's in the bank now and we move on to the next day.

"It's a mountain run today which I've done a few times and am used to. I don't think it's one of the harder ones so it should be a nice day.

"The first few days are tough and our legs will be stiff, but you put it all to the back of your mind when we start training with the balls."

Meanwhile, the winger, who is starting his fourth season with Rovers, reported a clean bill of health after recovering from a broken arm picked up towards the end of last season.

He added: "My arm is perfect now. I did some weights over the summer with Les Parry and at home, and it's fine and I'm ok to train and play."