Callum Brittain is happy to be back on the pitch as Rovers “crank up” their pre-season preparations.

John Eustace’s men kicked things off against Accrington Stanley last weekend and take on Tranmere behind closed doors this afternoon.

The squad will then head to Austria for a training camp, which includes a fixture against Bundesliga 2 side Nurnberg.

Rovers will have several more games upon their return to England before the Championship campaign gets under way against newly-promoted Derby on Friday, August 9.

“We are getting back up to speed now,” Brittain told RoversTV. “Obviously, it’s our third week in.

“It was introduction week for the first and now we are cranking things up. It was nice to get back up at Accrington and be back with the boys.

“It is like a bonding session when you go away together, the staff included. You do everything together.

“It is about getting on the pitch, working hard and spending time together. Hopefully, we will be a closer group when we come back.”

Brittain got 45 minutes under his belt at the Wham Stadium as Rovers ran out 2-1 winners thanks to goals from Joe Rankin-Costello and Dilan Markanday.

The versatile full-back grinned: “It is definitely better playing games than it is doing ‘doggies’ (a series of shuttle runs).

He added: “It is nice to get back out there, practise the patterns we are doing in training and try to get that winning mentality.”

Brittain was speaking at the launch of Rovers’ new third strip and says the design has gone down well among the squad.

“I think everyone likes it, to be fair,” he said. “It is bright and out there, but it is nice. The detailing on it is lovely and I like the badge in the centre.

“I knew it was pink so I was a bit sceptical at the time but when I saw it, I think they have delivered on it very well.”