THE sleepy Austrian town of Abtenau is hardly a hot-bed when it comes to football.

But Ewood chief Graeme Souness believes his squad's mountain hideaway could yet turn out to be the perfect setting from which to launch a Premiership battleplan as the might of Manchester United and Co looms large on the horizon.

Refreshed and recharged following their promotion exploits back in May, Rovers will ease their way back into competitive action with an eagerly-awaited friendly against Austrian amateur outfit Sporting Union Abtenau tonight.

And, though it's a relatively low key start to their three-game tour of Austria and Germany, canny Scot Souness believes it could turn out to be the perfect preparation for the challenges ahead.

"It's ideal for what we want at this stage in our preparations," said Souness.

"I've been here before when I was manager at Benfica so I knew exactly what to expect.

"We are staying in a little village and we've taken over the whole hotel so we're away from any distractions which means we can just concentrate on the job in hand.

"The people here have also had teams out here already this summer so they know exactly what's involved which is why things have gone pretty smoothly so far."

Situated approximately 50 kilometres south of Salzburg relatively close to the German border, Abtenau itself is more renowned for it's winter sports than it is for the town's football team. But results are of little importance to Souness anyway at this stage, it's more about working on fitness levels and building up team spirit in preparation for the more important battles ahead.

"I've already told the players I'm not particularly bothered about results, it's more about working on our fitness and trying to avoid picking up any injuries," said Souness.

"I'm going to try and give everyone a game so there's going to be lots of chopping and changing going on during these next three games.

"As for the opposition, it's not particularly strong, but then you don't want to be tested too severely at this point anyway.

"Abtenau are probably the equivalent of a non-League side in our country but they'll want to work hard against us and make life as difficult as possible, which is what you want at this stage of the summer.

"We've had the ball out for the first time in a match situation over the last couple of days which has been good.

"And, because we're at altitude, your body has got to work even harder which can only be a good thing, too."

Bonding is also vitally important as well -- especially with summer signings Corrado Grabbi, Tugay Kerimoglou and Gordon Greer still finding their feet after joining a new club.

"Bringing the players away on a trip like this helps to create a greater togetherness between everyone which is massively important when you're trying to create a team spirit," said Souness. "That was one thing we had as a squad last season and the new lads are already settling in very well."

After tonight's game, Rovers move on to Germany for the second leg of their tour against Crailsheim on Wednesday and VFC Plauen on Friday.