MARSHY HAPPY WITH CHIEVO CLEAN SHEET

David Marshall spoke to press after keeping a clean sheet in City’s penultimate pre-season friendly against Chievo Verona on Saturday.

And Scotland’s number one was happy with the challenge that the Serie A side posed in the 1 – 0 win for the Bluebirds at CCS.

“It was a good workout really," said the man set to figure for his country against England later this month. "Chievo weren’t really a typical Italian side – they didn’t give us any time on the ball and were pressing us from the very first minute.

“Some pre-season games can be a bit of a non-event but this was different and obviously it was good for us to get a win and a clean sheet.”

The second half of the pre-season encounter saw new transfer record signing Steven Caulker come on to make his début in front of the City faithful.

And Marshall spoke of his pleasure in seeing his defence strengthened, both through the recruitment of Caulker and former Brentford ‘keeper Simon Moore, commenting: “Steven is a fantastic signing really. It was quite a surprise to get him in and something that is really good for the club. To get someone in of that level, and with such experience, is great.

“It all adds to the competition as our centre backs Hudson and Turner were one of our main strengths last year. Having another one in there can only make everyone better and it certainly gives us more options. It will be interesting to see who starts but it has been really good to get Steven in.

“Simon’s been great as well. He’s a really nice guy and obviously we needed a third goalkeeper too. He’s got a lot of experience, playing every game bar a couple for Brentford last year, and they came very close to getting promoted. He’s still only young so I think he’s a really good signing for us as well.”

Finally, Marshall looked ahead to next weekend’s blockbuster friendly against Athletic Club, hoping that the City fans will turn out in their numbers once again to support the boys.

“It should be a really good game," he continued. "I think last year everyone really stood up and took notice of Athletic when they went to Old Trafford and were fantastic against Manchester United.

“It will be a really tough game though, as they will be getting close to getting their season started as well. It should be a good atmosphere so hopefully we’ll get a good crowd down at CCS for our last friendly."