Bobby Burns feels Glentoran have shown up well so far in pre-season.
The Glens are so far undefeated with a 3-0 win over HW Welders sandwiched in between a draw with St Mirren and a 1-0 win over Kilmarnock.
With their Europa Conference League qualifying first round against Gzira coming up Burns highlighted the importance of playing against teams which will test them.
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"It's great in pre-season to play against teams that are going to stretch you and they have some really good players,” he said.
“It's a great experience and for us to see where we are at in comparison to that level.
"It's a good exercise for us from a fitness point of view and to get that sharpness. We want to get ourselves as fit as possible and overcome the challenge of playing such a big game so early in the season.
"We're building well together and getting a win and a clean sheet is a positive step and we want to build on that. We haven't conceded yet this season so the longer we can continue that the better and we're really looking forward to next week."
Burns, who signed a new deal with the club during the summer, took on the captain's armband during the second half against Kilmarnock and he said it was something he relished.
"It was a good experience,” he said. “I'm getting a bit older now so it's important to try and take more of a leadership role within the team and set a good example to all the young lads.
"That's something we're going to try and build on this year setting good standards and it's something we all need to take responsibility for and helping the young lads, because it wasn't too long ago that I was in their shoes.
"I was glad to see them doing well."
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