Taylor benefits from friendly tests
21st July
Neil Taylor revealed the individual and team benefits gained from a weekend which conjured two victories over Yeovil Town and Exeter City.
A 5-0 win at Championship side Yeovil on Friday night was followed up with a 2-0 victory at League Two outfit Exeter on Sunday afternoon.
It allowed Michael Laudrup to give more game-time to his squad as preparations continue to build towards the Europa League opening game on August 1 against either Hibernian or Malmo.
And for Taylor, Sunday's win over the Grecians was particularly beneficial, with the 24-year-old competing the full 90 minutes.
"I'm fitter than what I thought I was," said the left-back. "Now I have 90 minutes under my belt I know I can do it, which is a really good feeling.
"It was a good run-out. We let some of the new boys know before the game that games like this are really tough in this country.
"It was really hot on the pitch and it was tough, but that's all part of pre-season. It will help us in the long run with fitness."
Both games saw a big turnout from the Jack Army, who basked in the sunshine at Huish Park and St James Park.
And Taylor voiced his team-mates appreciation, adding: "Some fans made a weekend of it and I hope we've put on a show for them.
"They follow us in their numbers wherever we are - we are really grateful for that support - and I'm sure that will be the same in either Scotland or Sweden when we play in the Europa League."
