Bluebirds Boss Neil Warnock said he was pleased with his side’s aptitude and concentration following Saturday’s final clash of pre-season, against Real Betis.

The La Liga side edged to a 2-1 victory at Cardiff City Stadium in the early August sunshine, though Josh Murphy’s opening goal was among several positives the Bluebirds will take going into next weekend’s opener at AFC Bournemouth.

Speaking to the assembled press & media after the game, Neil said: “I was very pleased with today, it was a great workout for us really; you saw the quality of the opposition, but we had a lot better chances than them really.

“We should have three or four, but the good work out was just what we needed. I can’t ask for any more.”

At the culmination of a pre-season that has taken in Cornwall, Devon, Rotherham, Burton and South Wales, the Bluebirds now have a seven-game lead-up in to what many would consider being their biggest game in four years.

In his matchday programme notes, the manager said his side would be going to the Premier League to: “enjoy it but give it a real go at the same time.”

And there’s no doubting that he’s been pleased with what he’s seen during July and early-August’s dress rehearsals.

“I thought they all looked sharp; we’ve got better as pre-season has moved on,” the Gaffer continued.

“With yesterday’s game as well [against Amiens], a lot of our lads got the minutes they needed in this weekend, so that’s just what we’ve needed.

“We’ll go to Bournemouth now and give it our best shot, that’s for sure.”

Watch more from the Gaffer later this evening on Cardiff City TV