Derek McInnes is relishing a troublesome opening begin to the Scottish Premiership – however insists that is what it is all about.
Kilmarnock's first 5 video games are towards final season's high six sides, with the opening three towards high 4 finishers.
The marketing campaign kicks off at dwelling to Dundee United on July 30 earlier than a double-header with Rangers and Celtic.
They then face Ross County away which is adopted by a conflict towards Motherwell at Rugby Park.
And boss McInnes laughed: "We'll simply get the simple ones out the best way first!
"No, however we have been clearly eagerly ready for the fixtures to come back out, we knew we might be at dwelling on the opening day having received the title.
"That is all a part of it, you need to take a look at your self towards the higher groups, we really feel as if we will make a very good account of ourselves within the Premiership, we now have to present ourselves each likelihood to be prepared.
"We've got 5 friendlies and 4 League Cup video games forward of the Dundee United sport so it isn't our main focus, our principal focus is getting the boys match and used to one another once more.
"We're nonetheless attempting to enhance the squad, we nonetheless have numerous work to do.
"We're simply completely happy to be again to be trustworthy, whenever you do have that focus of the fixtures you can begin to pay attention.
"It is nonetheless a good distance off, we now have numerous work and preparation to do, everybody on the membership is working extraordinarily onerous to verify we're as prepared as we might be."
McInnes admits the gamers getting an prolonged break to switch-off was vital after a gruelling marketing campaign within the Championship.
He instructed Sky Sports activities: "We had six weeks off, it has been a very good break for the gamers.
"The entire membership has been busy, as have I, however the gamers had an opportunity to switch-off and that is good.
Obtain the Ayrshire Dwell app in the present day
The Ayrshire Dwell app is obtainable to obtain now.
Get all of the native information in your space – plus options, soccer information and the newest on the coronavirus disaster – at your fingertips 24/7.
The free obtain options the newest breaking information and unique tales when you can customise your web page with the sections that matter to you.
The Ayrshire Dwell app is obtainable to obtain now on iOS and Android.
"All of them got here again in nice form, everybody is able to play their half within the new season.
"We'd be high of the league if it was selected effort, the gamers are 10/10 for that.
"There was good focus from the gamers, I'm delighted with the work they've put in to this point."
Alan Energy and Kerr McInroy have been added to the squad already, however McInnes admits he desires extra gamers in by the door earlier than the season kicks off.
He mentioned: "I believe we most likely want some extra Premiership expertise within the door.
"However we're inspired with what we now have, there are good gamers with factors to show and numerous starvation about them.
"As a newly promoted groups you'll be able to typically get that bounce, we now have to verify we go up and set concerning the Premiership, we're not simply there to outlive, so we now have to recruit nicely.
"The intentions are to not be in a relegation combat, it is vital that we keep in mind how we completed final season with an enormous crowd.
"We have to attempt to get these followers again in once more, and profitable video games within the Premiership is a part of that."
The previous Aberdeen boss admits he had a fast have a look at when he is heading again to Pittodrie for the primary time.
He mentioned: "That sport will maintain a little bit of significance for me personally, October 1 we head up there for the primary time.
"It is clearly a membership I'm nicely related to, I had an excellent time there, I'm privately and personally trying ahead to that."
Do not miss the newest Ayrshire headlines –signal as much as our free day by day publication right here