Bristol Rovers manager Paul Trollope expects a tough test when he takes his side on a pre-season tour of Scotland.Rovers face their first match against Greenock Morton on 17 July with their second and final game taking place at Partick Thistle three days later.
He told BBC Radio Bristol: "Games in Scotland are always competitive, even in pre-season.
"The players seem to play with a great edge. That's how they're brought up and how the Scottish leagues are."
Trollope views the trip as presenting the perfect chance for his new-look team to get to know each other.
"The spirit has been good through the first 10 days of training and Scotland will provide us with a bonding time both on and off the pitch, along with two games," he added.
"There will be plenty of time for the new lads to integrate in the team.
We think the players we have brought in will add to the quality and will make us a better team
Bristol Rovers manager Paul Trollope
"It provides a good insight to how the players are within the group but more importantly it takes us to a different environment to train and work on a few things."
Trollope has had a busy summer, signing Gary Sawyer from Plymouth Argyle, Charlton midfielder Harry Pell, Fulham midfielder Wayne Brown and Watford forward Will Hoskins.
The Rovers boss hinted that he may be looking at experimenting with different formations in the run-up to the start of the League One campaign on 7 August.
"We think the players we have brought in will add to the quality and will make us a better team," he said.
"We may see a few different shapes through pre-season. You have to set out a formation that suits the players and will hopefully bring us a lot of wins."
Trollope added that all the club's new signings will be in the squad for the first pre-season match at Bath City on 14 July.
Rovers are also expecting to tie up a deal for a new goalkeeper soon.
"We're still unsure of the details as yet but we would like him in as soon as possible," added Trollope.
Source: BBC Sport
Source: BBC Sport