Simpson & Gray Give Pre-Season Testing Verdict

- Simpson explained how he’s happy to be back with his team-mates after the summer break 

- Gray went on to discuss his desire to impress during pre season 

Leicester City duo Danny Simpson and Demarai Gray spoke positively following their first pre-season testing session at Belvoir Drive on Friday. 

There were 14 Foxes in attendance at the Club’s training facility, as the players’ fitness was assessed ahead of an exciting pre-season schedule. 

Right back Simpson, who played 32 times for the Foxes in all competitions during the 2015/16 campaign, was one of seven defenders to take part in testing on Friday, and revealed he was pleased with his own fitness. 

Simpson told Foxes Player HD: “I’m feeling good. We’ve done a lot, including the running, and I feel like all of the lads including myself have come back in good condition. 

“It’s going to be a tough season, but we’re really looking forward to it. I’ve seen all the lads and everyone is ready to go, including the new signings.” 

The Foxes first take on Oxford United in pre-season, before competing in the International Champions Cup against Celtic, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona.

The right back continued: “A lot of people have mentioned to me this summer about the games that we’ve got in pre season against Celtic, Barcelona and PSG. 

“It’s going to be a good test for everyone and we need that because of the Champions League this year. It’ll give us a good benchmark as to where we’re at and what we’ve got to look forward to.” 

Fellow Fox Gray also enjoyed the testing session at Belvoir Drive, as he embarks on his first pre-season campaign with the Club. 

“With it being the first day back, a few of us will feel a bit leggy, but we’ve done our first few tests now and everyone has done well,” Gray said. “I’m just hoping to improve on my fitness during the rest of pre season. 

“It’s always a good opportunity to come back strong and impress everyone, so hopefully I can improve and keep getting stronger.” 

Among those in attendance on Friday were new signings Ron-Robert Zieler and Luis Hernandez, who both impressed Gray. 

He added: “We’ve shut down for a few weeks and we’re back now. There’s a few new faces, which is always good. 

“Everyone’s happy to be back and we all know what the team’s attitude is like, so hopefully we can kick on and have a good pre season.”