MALKY MACKAY says Ross County's pre-season camp set-up in Italy is the perfect setting to get some hard work done.
The Highlanders are in Verona for the week as the players are put through their paces with some warm weather training.
The Premiership doesn't start for well over another four weeks, however, the Premier Sports Cup campaign commences in a little under two.
MacKay was speaking to County's official social media outlets.
He said: "It's been tough for the guys so far. The weather is very hot, but we knew that.
"We've trained early in the morning and then later on in the afternoon to compensate.
"We've got great pitches and we've got a pool on site which is great for the lads to jump straight into after their sessions.
"They're getting plenty of good food as well. It's been terrific.
"Having the pitches on site is ideal, it's very private. The groundsman has been with us every morning to make sure the grass is cut properly and watered, which is important with the heat we're in at the moment.
"It works really well that we're not having to be bussed to a certain area. It means we can get a little more done here."
New boy Owura Edwards joined the Staggies at the weekend and has already joined up with his new teammates in Italy.
MacKay expressed his happiness at getting a deal over the line for the attacker.
He added: "I'm delighted to get him in. We've tracked him for a period of time.
"He's a young player who has come through Bristol City's academy.
"We now look at someone who has played 50-odd league games in England over two or three loan moves as well.
"He's someone who has dipped his toe into English league football and comes up here to throw his hat in to come play."
