Lewis Cook is eager to get back into training following the summer break and says that pre-season could be key to a strong 2015/16 campaign.

The 18-year-old missed the closing weeks of last season through injury, meaning his wait to return to action has been even longer than the rest of his team-mates as they prepare to  return to Thorp Arch.

"I can’t wait to get back and get started again," he said.

"We had a couple of weeks off doing nothing and a couple of weeks just ticking over and getting back up to that fitness for pre-season to make it a bit easier.

"It’ll be great to see the lads again and hopefully we’ll prepare right for the season ahead. We’ll see what can happen in the season.

"If we prepare right in pre-season, it can be a good one."

Lewis has already met Uwe Rosler this summer and says that the added incentive of having to impress the new head coach over the summer will only intensify the “battle” for places in the team.

“I’ve met him a couple of times and he seems like a really good guy,” the midfielder said.

“Hopefully he can take us into a good season and we’ll see what can happen.

“It pushes everyone before pre-season to get fit and it’s going to be a battle to get into the team, but it should be a good one."

On linking up with the new signings, Lewis added: “Any new arrivals will be good footballers and I’m sure they’ll be good guys as well.

“It will be good to get to know them and get involved with them. Once that all settles in, I’m sure it’ll be a really good season.

“There are some good teams in pre-season. I can’t wait to get started and I’m sure the other lads can’t either.”

On the club’s pre-season schedule, Lewis added: “I think it’s the best pre-season fixtures we’ve had for a while.

“There are some good teams in there so it’ll be a test for the boys – I’m really looking forward to it.”