Ipswich Town beat Shelbourne 2-1 in their opening pre-season friendly at Tolka Park on Saturday and manager Mick McCarthy was satisfied after seeing most of his players get a 45-minute run out.
Goals from Brett Smith and Freddie Sears gave Ipswich a narrow win and McCarthy was very pleased with the facilities at Carton House Hotel in Co Kildare.
"You could see the pitch wasn't really conducive to the ball being moved quickly,"? McCarthy told the "?club's official website.
"Two good goals, I don't know about the penalty, whether it was or it wasn't but it made for a bit of a closer game anyway.
"Excellent, they're always very good up there, we get well looked after.
"You can see the standard of it because Rafa Benitez took Real Madrid there and he's taken Newcastle there, he obviously remembers it fondly. It's a great facility and the lads just love it, it's great."?
McCarthy is well aware his players aren't match fit just yet, but is sure his side will be ready when they take on Barnsley in their opening Championship fixture on the 6th of August.
"It's pre-season, it's always hard,"? the 57-year-old said.
"You could see there, they've only played 45 minutes but they're knackered. So long as they've run around and are getting their fitness, that's what it's all about.
"They've had a great week, they've all enjoyed it. It's a bit of a slow burner, we don't kick off until the 6th, that's when we need to be ready."?
David McGoldrick missed the Tractor Boys' game due to a minor injury and McCarthy was quick to reassure fans of his recovery.
"He's just got a bit of a sore hip flexor. He's just having to manage it. But nothing to be too concerned about, he'll be fine."?