Mansfield Town striker Danny Rose admits it's great to be back

Rose was speaking after completing his first day of training after Mansfield returned to action on Wednesday.

“It has been a tough four months, it's tedious training along and it is good to be back with the lads,” he added.

“We have been doing a lot of running in lockdown, but there is only so much that you can do. We feel ok, we are back now and the worst is over.”

Mansfield’s players trained in two different groups due to the impact of ongoing social distancing restrictions, with sessions mostly involving further fitness work.

“The lads have come back in decent nick,” added Rose. “It is good to be out back on grass and with the lads, that is the most important thing.

“It is restricted in training due to the guidelines in place so we are having to run two metres apart. It’s nice to have a laugh with the lads again.

“It is just important to get the base fitness and then we can start with a proper pre-season.

“We have missed football a lot, it is good to be back having a laugh with the lads.

“We have healthy competition and it raises the standards. Everyone has competition and its important to come back flying and set your own standards.”

The new EFL campaign is set to begin on the weekend of 12th September.