NIGEL Clough will look to give most of his first team squad a 45-minute run out as the Brewers play their first pre-season friendly tonight.
Albion travel to Mickleover Sports - managed by former Brewers midfielder John McGrath – with a 7pm kick off at Station Road.
The Albion squad has been back in pre-season training since July 2 and making sure everyone gets the right amount of game time is the key for Clough tonight as they build fitness for the start of the League One season on August 4.
But the Brewers will be without three of the squad. Will Miller has had a slight hamstring setback as he recovers from a long-term injury and John Brayford and David Templeton have niggles that will keep them out.
Clough said: “The first couple of games are all about getting 45 minutes each. We have had a couple of practice matches but nothing going beyond 35 minutes. The lads won’t be flying on Friday night but will get that 45 minutes under belt then build up at Kidderminster and against Aston Villa.
"We will mix and match in each half tonight. It’s more about the physical more than anything else at this stage.
“It’s ideal going to Mickleover and we are looking forward to seeing John McGrath.”
Friday July 13th 2018: Mickleover Sports (A)
Don Amott Arena (7pm)
Station Road, Mickleover, Derby, DE3 9FB
Ticket prices: £8 Adults, £5 Concessions, £2 10-16, Free under 10