Clarke Carlisle can't wait to start playing matches as Burnley prepare for their first pre-season friendly this weekend.
The 30-year-old defender admits that he is dying to get his boots on again as the Clarets head for Bury on Saturday (3pm KO) and Oldham on Monday (7.30pm KO)
"A lot of our fitness will be gained in football matches this year," said Carlisle.
"And quite rightly so, because that's the stage on which we are trying to perform and there's no point training for a marathon, if you're going to be doing sprints.
"In pre-season it's always great to see the footballs come out because that's what you love to do.
"It's what the job that you're paid to do and playing matches is what you need to practice and excel at."
While results won't be important at this stage of the build-up, Carlisle confirmed that all the players will want to show manager Brian Laws that they should be in the side for the curtain raiser against Nottingham Forrest on 7th August.
He added "Everyone likes to put their best foot forward and show that they're the ones who should be in shirt numbers one to eleven come the start of next season."
Burnley FC has no tickets remaining for Saturday's friendly. However, travelling supporters can pay at the turnstiles at Gigg Lane.
Here at Burnleyfc.com you can follow all the action with minute-by-minute updates on the game, with a full, detailed report on the full time whistle and post-match reaction shortly after 5pm.
Pre-season Friendlies 2010/11
Saturday 10th July - Bury v Burnley 3pm - There are no tickets remaining directly from Burnley FC, but supporters can pay on the day at Gigg Lane. See ticket section for prices.
Monday 12th July - Oldham v Burnley (7.30pm kick-off) - admission on the evening - free for under 16's, £10 adults, £5 pensioners.
Thursday 15th July - Buxton v Burnley (7.30pm kick-off)
Saturday 31st July - Burnley v Stoke City 3pm (at Huddersfield Town FC)
Singapore Pre-Season Tour
Tue 20th July: v Gombak United at the Bukit Gombak Stadium (5pm KO)
Thu 22nd July: v Home United at Tampines Stadium (5pm KO)
Sat 24th July: FIS Asian Challenge Cup v Singapore Asian Games squad at Jalan Besar Stadium (7.30pm KO)
Any supporters wishing to attend any of the above matches in Singapore need to contact the ticket office on 0871 221 1914.
