Kieron Dyer was a happy man following West Ham United's 1-1 draw against Bursaspor on Wednesday, having netted a goal and come through another game in his first pre-season in two years.
The England midfielder scored early in the first half as West Ham put their Turkish opponents under pressure in the searing heat in Bad Radkersburg. Although Bursaspor equalised to take a share of the spoils early in the second half, Dyer said it was another good test for the team.
Speaking to WHUTV Dyer, said: "Considering we did a double training session on Tuesday and a training session in the morning before the match, with the heat, I think you would expect us to be more tired. The training has been hard, but good. A credit to how hard we have been working was the performance the lads gave in those hot conditions.
"It went well for us. In the second half obviously, they came back a bit stronger. But they are a good Turkish side and were no pushovers. It was a good match for us with a lot of positives."
While the aim of the warm-up games is get the players fit and ready for the new season ahead, Dyer was delighted to get on the scoresheet as well as getting more valuable match time under his belt.
"It was great to score, but to be honest, I am so happy to be getting so many games in pre-season. It's the first one I have had in quite a while. I feel I am getting stronger and sharper with every game I play.
"Having a pre-season, especially one like this where we have worked really hard, gives you a base. Fingers crossed I get a few more matches in and will be able to achieve the main target of being in top condition come 15 August, when the season starts."
The midfielder is particularly relishing the prospect of a partnership with Scott Parker. "He won Hammer of the Year last season, that's how important he is to our team. Hopefully he can play a part in the last game and then get some more match action under his belt again when we go to Asia."
After a couple of days rest, the team will fly out to Beijing for the Barclays Asia Trophy on Sunday, and Dyer believes it will be a good step-up in their pre-season preparations.
"It's good we are going there and taking part in the tournament. There will be a couple of real good competitive games for us, the sort we can perhaps expect in the Premier League. So we will be looking forward to that."
FOR INFORMATION ON HOW YOU CAN SUBSCRIBE TO WHUTV, CLICK HERE