Courtesy inglewoodunitedfc.com.au

Things are heating up on the Inglewood United training track as players strive to convince new coach Michael Garcia they’re deserving of a spot in his starting 11.

Inglewood’s first game under Garcia – a Night Series clash with Armadale – is under a fortnight away and defender Shane Pickering says the tempo and intensity at training has increased as the season opener approaches.

Pictured: Shane Pickering. Photo: Brett Klucznik

“Since returning from our Christmas break the players have stamped their foot on the pedal and we are well underway for a promising year, with Michael and (assistant coach) Victor Sikora in the driving seat,” said Pickering, who has been part of the first team set-up since 2012.

“For everyone to be fit and sharp so early in the year is a massive positive, and the enthusiasm within the team at training has been excellent.”

Inglewood goes into 2015 with a renewed sense of purpose thanks to an astute recruitment drive which has revitalised the playing roster.

“There is no doubt Michael has brought in some great talent,” said Pickering, whose new teammates include Aleks Vrtestki, Jovo Pavlovic and Rikki Smith.

“As a result there’s a much better balance to the squad and increased competition for spots.

“Last year we continually had players playing out of their preferred positions. But at the minute we have two or three worthy candidates for all eleven spots on the field. Everyone knows that each session is an opportunity to impress the coaches and this creates an intense, intrinsically motivated environment for the players.

“This has to be the most depth we’ve had in the side since I’ve been at Inglewood. The best teams in the world have depth with the players on the bench just as good as anyone on the park, that’s the way we’re looking … the Night Series will give us a good idea of where we stand.”

The Night Series kicks off on Friday, February 6, at Macedonia Park with Balcatta taking on Subiaco and Stirling Lions up against Bayswater City.

The action resumes on Sunday, February 8, at Dorrien Gardens with ECU Joondalup taking on Cockburn City and Perth against Sorrento, while at E&D Litis Stadium Inglewood take on Armadale and Floreat take on State League Division One side Shamrock Rovers.