Just a few days now remain until the big kick-off on Saturday and City boss Michael O'Neill has plenty of positives to reflect upon before he names his starting 11.

Brechin's friendly campaign came to a conclusion last weekend and, with 'all the scores' in, O'Neill believes the squad has received more than a passing grade.

Despite playing several teams from a higher level the players produced some solid, hard-working performances.

And with team fitness levels coming along nicely, O'Neill is looking forward to the trip to Hampden and the challenge of Queens Park.

"I've been very pleased," he said. "I intentionally chose tough games for the players. We had an SPL team in Hibs, and went up against two first division teams who are both really SPL teams to all intents and purposes - realistically it is where they believe they should be playing.

"And then we had Accrington as well who are English division two. These games were chosen so the players could get the maximum out of them and also go up against full-time players and test themselves.

"I feel they get more out that way and I was never overly concerned with the results but with how the players acquitted themselves.

"I'm pleased with how that went," he added.

Among the many positives for City has been the instant impact of summer signing Martin Johnston. The striker may have yet to take to the field in anger, but his goal-scoring prowess in the friendlies has left many onlookers speechless.

The target man already had one stunner to his name in the form of a 40-yard half-volley against Montrose - before going on to add a 28-yard gem to his collection during Saturday's clash with St. Johnstone.

O'Neill is delighted with the way Johnston has settled in and believes he and fan-favourite Iain Russell have all the makings of a lethal partnership.

"I knew when I signed him that I was getting a goalscorer but the two he scored in the friendlies have been phenomenal in all honesty," continued O'Neill.

"He has been top drawer on all levels. He was excellent again on Saturday and showed that he will be a huge asset for us.

"Russell and him have the making of a really good partnership and that is why I brought him in. It is important to have goals in the team and Iain and Martin have that and will be a threat in any game they play in," he added.

However, while the friendlies have been full of positives, the club does have one hurdle to overcome on their travels this weekend.

Ward, Scott Walker and Stuart Callaghan are definitely out with suspensions - all hangovers from last season - and clarification is still being sought on the position of a fourth player.

O'Neill is understandably frustrated at the forced absence of key players but he is also refusing to let it worry him.

"We're missing three very important players but there is enough versatility in the squad to cope with that problem," he said.

"It isn't ideal because we want to shape the team for the best 11 to be on the park. Suspensions make that difficult but there are players who will come in and have a chance to stake their claim.

"And I believe that every player in our squad is now capable of playing in our regular team," he added.

O'Neill is also pleased with the way fitness levels are building. The opening of the 06-07 campaign saw a trialist take to the field at Peterhead because of a number of pre-season injuries. But the squad is holding up much better this time round and, but for a "slight" knee problem for Gary Fusco, the team is happily injury free.

"Fitness levels are good and we've competed well in all of our games against full time opposition," said O'Neill. "Fusco has a slight knee problem which has hindered progress but everyone else is virtually there.

"Ward, who is suspended for two games, has been slightly more (out of shape). He's not had as much playing time because we wanted to get the team in order for the opening match, which he will miss.

"So he's slightly short but he's naturally fit and I have no reservations. When his suspension expires he'll be fighting fit and ready to go," he added.
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