International Reds return to Carrington

Despite being back, however, the boss explained after our first pre-season friendly that Wednesday’s clash with Lyon in Edinburgh may come too soon for many of Saturday’s returnees.

“Those players, most of them will not show up in Edinburgh, as well, because they need time and to have a good training week,” he said.

“They had to have days off and relaxation.

“Those players played most games in the last season, so they needed that rest.”