James Douglas has welcomed a return to action again as Glentoran kick off their pre-season schedule on Saturday as they welcome Caernarfon Town to the BetMcLean Oval (kick-off 5pm).

Eight weeks after bringing the curtain down on last season’s campaign the Glens start a busy schedule under way against the Cymru Premier outfit.

Further games against The New Saints, East Belfast, Kilmarnock and Dundela will provide the perfect preparation ahead of their UEFA Europa Conference League first round qualifier against RFS of Latvia with Douglas raring to get going again.

“I think come the end of the season we’re all ready for a bit of a break but within a week or two we are itching to get back at it again,” said Douglas.

“Even though you know you are coming back to a tough few weeks in terms of pre-season training and getting back up to speed again, it’s great because you’re back in amongst all the lads again and you know the new season isn’t too far away.

“This is such an important phase for the season as the work you put in now will stand you in good stead for what’s to come.

“It’s also good to get the new signings integrated with the rest of the squad and make them feel at home.

“We were back in again last week and it was like we had never been away as we had plenty of banter with all the lads but we also got down to the hard work and setting our focus for the season ahead.

“We have a busy few weeks coming up with our training and fixture schedule but it’s key that we get it under our belts.

“There are a few challenging games pencilled in ahead of our European tie which will provide a good test for us ahead of the first round against RFS.

“It’s such a benefit to be full-time as well as we can build up our training every day and make sure we have the right recovery in between each session as well.

“Those two things go hand-in-hand and play an important part along with the games.

“Ask any player and they will tell you they would obviously prefer to be playing games instead of training and I think we have a good mix of games coming up over the next few weeks.

“Saturday’s first game against Caernarfon Town will provide us with a good test. I know I can’t wait to get going again and neither can the rest of the players as well.

“I’m sure it’s the same for the fans as well after a couple of months off without watching the Glens.”

Glentoran fans and players were tuning into Tuesday’s draw for the first round of the UEFA Europa Conference League and Douglas cannot wait to be involved.

“I’ve not played in Europe for the club yet so I can’t wait to play a part this time around,” said the 20-year-old.

“We were all watching on Tuesday to see who we were paired with and we know it’s going to be tricky enough against RFS as they are a team with plenty of European experience.

“They have obviously played against Linfield and Larne in recent seasons and it was only a couple of years ago that they made it through to the group stages of the Europa League having recently played in the Conference League group stages too, so that tells you what you need to know about their quality.

“It’s an exciting tie though and one which we will be going into with plenty of confidence. It’s a privilege to get to play in Europe and we will be determined to give a good account of ourselves and see where it takes us.

“The manager and the coaching staff will have us well-drilled on them and we will have had plenty of games under our belts by then too so we will be raring to go.”

Douglas is hoping for a big season both for the club and personally after a somewhat frustrating campaign last time out.

“After making a good impact in my first full season a couple of years ago I didn’t play as much as I would have liked last year,” said Douglas.

“Of course that is frustrating because as a player you want to play, but I know it’s up to me to take my opportunity when it comes along.

“When the team was doing well and on that winning run last season it was hard to break into the team as the manager understandably wanted to stick with a winning team as much as possible.

“This is a new season though and I know I will get opportunities to shine and it is up to me to play myself into the team.

“We have a very talented squad here and you have to be at your very best to claim the shirt, but that’s what we all want as competition for places brings the best out in everyone.

“I’m certainly determined to do everything I can to claim a starting spot as well as drive this club on to achieve even more success.

“We were unfortunate to miss out on a couple of competitions last season but that has only stoked up the desire to kick on again this season.”

For supporters planning to attend Saturday’s pre-season friendly against Caernarfon Town at The BetMcLean Oval, tickets are available to purchase now at: https://www.glentoran.com/tickets/home-tickets/