Development squad full-back Tarik Gidaree is revelling in the chance to step up to the “challenge” of facing Fulham’s under-23s.
The Cottagers’ youngsters pose Shaun Cooper’s side’s fifth test of pre-season so far when they travel to Canford Park Arena on Wednesday afternoon (1pm kick-off).
Fulham’s visit offers the young Cherries the third opportunity to pit their wits against a category 1 set-up in recent weeks, which Gidaree is relishing.
“We’re expecting quality players,” he said. “They’re going to be fast and they’re going to be physically fit but it’s another challenge for us.
“We have to show what we’re about and show that we can be better than them, first and foremost, and prove to ourselves that we can play at that level.”
Gidaree added: “We’ll set up the same as every game, we’ll be switched on before the game’s started and visualise how the performance should go.
“It will be a test physically but also mentally; you always have to stay switched on. It’s a test that will stand us in good stead for the future.”
The friendly follows an outing against League One Wycombe Wanderers at Brockenhurst FC’s Grigg Lane home.
With regular first-teamers starting in Brandon Hanlan and Nick Freeman, the Chairboys bagged a 2-0 victory and the development squad derived key experience.
“It was a good game for us but tough,” Gidaree said. “They’re a good opposition being League One opponents.
“We had to win aerial duals and be physical, so in terms of that side of the game, it was good.
“Hanlan was a quality player, but that’s what you want. You want to be playing against the best to see where you’re at, also to push on and to see where we need to get to.”
Two further friendlies follow the Cottagers’ visit to Canford and Gidaree believes the development squad are feeling the benefit of a busy pre-season schedule.
He explained: “It’s been good. Our schedule has replicated a league, so if we do get called up to the first team then we’re physically ready.
“The boys are getting better day by day and it’s been tough but a lot of lads playing 90 minutes against Wycombe shows that we are progressing and going in a good way.”
