Zak Bradshaw is seeing the benefits from an intense start to the 24/25 season preparations.
The Imps returned from their warm weather training camp on Saturday and will now continue building towards the new campaign with a few more weeks of training and friendlies.
He said: “We have had quite a few running sessions as well as ball sessions, and it has been tough. It’s probably the hardest pre-season I have done so far, but it is needed.
“Even the fact that I went out on loan and played through the summer in Ireland means I have come back and feel so much better both with the ball and fitness wise.”
The time in Spain also provided a real opportunity for Zak to get to know his team-mates which he believes will benefit the on-pitch relationships and his goal of challenging for a place in the first-team.
He added: “When I signed I was only here for a couple of training days. One of the main reasons to come on the pre-season trip is to introduce yourself and get to know some of the other lads so that you have good chemistry coming into the season.
“When we are in the gym and on the pitch we are putting in the graft and working as hard as we can to give us the best possibility for the best outcome this season. I haven’t really established myself in the Football League, and that is my next aim.”