PAUL Hurst will only pick players for Grimsby Town's curtain-raiser who are completely "up to speed" – including skipper Craig Disley.
The Mariners begin their Conference Premier campaign at Bristol Rovers on Saturday, August 9.
And the boss is desperate to have his captain back from a knee injury soon, to ensure he is firing on all cylinders for the opener.
He said: "Fingers-crossed, I'd like to have Craig back tomorrow against Mansfield because, after that, we're down to two games before the season starts – although there is a game at Brigg I could involve him in if I feel it's necessary.
"He's obviously done very well for the past seasons, but that said there's no guarantees with him.
"He is still my captain and the goals he got were crucial to us last season but I'll pick the team that I think is ready.
"Maybe last season there were a few going into the first game who didn't feel up to speed, but I felt I had to play them at that time.
"I'm not sure that will be the case this time around – albeit we've got a few out suspended for the early games.
"I'll be picking a team that's right for that first game which not be the team further down the line."
He added: "It is a squad game but this is about getting a team for the first game, which will be the first opportunity for people.
"Looking at the opposition and a game away from home, it might be a team picked for that – we'll see."
