Evans energised for new season
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It's been a gruelling four weeks on the training pitch for the majority of the squad, but Jonny Evans feels the testing regime has provided the perfect preparation for the new campaign.
A three-week tour of North America and Mexico emcompassed daily double training sessions and a handful of closely-fought matches that yielded three wins from five.
The tour squad was joined by a host of familiar faces - returning from both injury and extended summer breaks after the World Cup - for Wednesday night's 7-1 demolition of the Airtricity League XI and Evans believes the squad are in good shape ahead of the 2010/11 campaign.
"The pre-season we’ve had so far has been really good and I think everyone’s raring to go," he told MUTV. "It's been a bit strange with the World Cup lads coming back so late, but the youngsters who have trained with us have done well.
"The training sessions and fitness work the coaches have given us seem to be paying off. I think a lot of us are feeling the benefits of them now."
Also back in action in Dublin - and back among the goals - were Michael Owen and Antonio Valencia, who have both completed recoveries from hamstring and ankle injuries respectively.
"It was disappointing to lose Michael when we did last season," adds Jonny. "We probably could have used him towards the end of the season with his experience, grabbing goals in games for us.
"He was starting to really settle in when he got his injury as well, so it’ll be nice to have him back, and Antonio gives us more options. So things are looking good."