Motherwell will relish FC Twente test in Netherlands training camp, says Stephen O'Donnell

Motherwell jet off to the Netherlands today and defender Stephen O'Donnell is relishing the chance to face Dutch top flight side FC Twente later this week.

For the second season in succession, the Steelmen are heading to Delden for a week-long camp to prepare for the new Premiership season kicking off in August.

Stuart Kettlewell's side will play two friendlies on their travels, facing Eredivisie side FC Twente on Friday and DSVD Duerningen on Sunday, and O'Donnell told Lanarkshire Live Sport : "It is an exciting one. You want to be playing as many top teams as you can. You are never really looking for too much in pre-season. You are chopping and changing, trying to get minutes in the legs, look at some wee shapes or things you can tweak.

"When FC Twente comes about that would be a great one to, hopefully, be involved in and get that first game under our belts."

Motherwell face a friendly at home to Livingston on July 6, upon their return to Scotland, and will kick-off their competitive action on July 13 at home to League Two side Edinburgh City in the opening group match of the Premier Sports Cup.

O'Donnell, who has penned a contract extension at the club this summer, visited Delden with the team last season and reckons it is an ideal place to build towards the new campaign.

He said: "It was really good last season. It was a good mix between working hard and doing activities to take your mind off the slog of pre-season.

"Sometimes you go to these places and it can be nothing but training. That can be a good thing sometimes to help you focus but sometimes it can be counterproductive and you are stuck in a room like a zombie.

"Last year there was lots of socialising, golf simulators, things like that which helped get the boys together. It was a really good trip and the pitches were immaculate. There was nothing for any of us to grump about - which doesn't happen very often, I can assure you of that! The manager has been there before Motherwell as well so everyone is looking forward to it."

One player not involved in the training camp is last season's top scorer Theo Bair, who is currently in the US on Copa America duty for Canada.

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