McFlynn has a hamstring niggle which is likely to sideline him for a week while Grant has a thigh injury that could sideline him for a fortnight.

But for the most part the pre-season has not seen a queue of bodies lining up outside the treatment room.

Players are desperate to impress their new boss but while hard work is the order of the day Lavicka recognises that working smart is as important as working hard.

He has hailed the contribution of his other 'team' including fellow coaches and physical performance co-ordinator Craig Duncan.

Lavicka told au.fourfourtwo.com: "It is very important. The players work hard but we want to work while trying to prevent injury.

"We have a specialist for the fitness in Craig Duncan and the other staff Michal Zach, Tony Popovic and Filo (goalkeeping coach John Filan) know this also (the right way to train).

"It is a never-ending process. Every day we talk and want to improve in every way we can."

Lavicka oversees a rigorous warm up before each training session with Popovic ending training by leading the players through numerous stretching exercises.