Sunderland’s first-team squad will head north of the border on Tuesday as part of their pre-season preparations.
After facing Spennymoor Town over one week ago, the Scotland-based training camp will culminate on Saturday when Lee Johnson’s side face Hearts at Tynecastle Park.
New signing Alex Pritchard is expected to make the trip, with the attacking midfielder settling in after putting pen to paper on a two-year deal.
Speaking to safc.com, Johnson explained why the UK-based camp ticks all the right boxes ahead of the new campaign.
“It gives us an opportunity to have five or six days of intense work,” explained the head coach.
“Some are ahead of others in terms of their fitness, but we have to strike that balance between peaking them as early as possible and not injuring them.”
He continued: “We thought about going abroad and I always like to because fan-wise, it gives the supporters an opportunity to come with us and get up-close and personal through things like open training session.
“Next year we will be doing that, but given the fact that countries are currently going from amber to green – and back again – it felt risky for all of us, including fans, to have to come back and quarantine
“Overall, we felt this was the best option, and I’m also delighted with the Hearts game because I was there as a player and it is a fantastic club.”