LIVINGSTON manager Gary Holt insists their Budapest friendly against SKF Sered is anything but meaningless as he urged his Lions to grasp their first opportunity to claim a jersey.
The West Lothian outfit are in the midst of a gruelling pre-season training camp in the Hungarian capital, with Holt putting his charges through punishing triple-sessions in 35 degree heat.
By comparison, there will be some respite today when they take to the field to face the Slovakian top-flight side.
Nevertheless, Holt is adamant the fight for first-team places starts now.
"Things will go wrong – that's why we play these games – but it's a good indication of who really wants a jersey," said Holt.
"We always talk about that here; who is willing to stake a claim?
"This is a time of the year when everyone should be excited, all the boys should be desperate to play football. You do all the running, the grunt work, in order to play the football. So, come match-day, I'm sure I'll have 23 fit bodies keen to show what they can do."
Holt's charges will then face a similarly stern test on Wednesday against Hungarian side Paksi, who were knocked out of the Europa League by Hearts in 2011.
"They are both technically good sides and will keep the ball well," the Livi boss continued. "The conditions will make it even tougher as it will be high 30s (degrees) with humidity.
"It's a chance to work on keeping the ball and accept that, if you give it away, you'll be punished. You'll be chasing the ball and it'll be a tough afternoon!"
Holt, meanwhile, offered an insight to the brutal schedule facing his charges in Budapest.
The former Scotland internationalist once took his Falkirk squad to a military boot camp to build fitness. Evidently, his demands have not lessened.
"We want to get them out on the grass, get the legs going and their lungs blowing out," Holt added.
"It's triple-sessions over here. There are two football pitches here and we'll have base sessions in the morning and afternoon, and either time in the pool or gym after that.
"We've got the weather, we've got the facilities; let's get to work and use them. The players are up for that challenge."
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