Skipper Gari Rowntree is aiming to see his share of pre-season action for Workington Reds after returning from injury.

Rowntree broke his ankle in the play-off semi-final at the end of last season but is hoping to be back in training with the rest of the squad next week.

And he says he is buoyed by the spirit in camp as they look ahead to a new season in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League - and hopefully another tilt at promotion.

"Dave Hewson and Lee Andrews have done a very good job, all the main players we wanted are back so we should go well again," said Rowntree.

"We will definitely be looking for promotion again, that is always our main aim as we go into pre-season.

"We just need to get off to the best possible start, which is all we can do really."

Reds were back in training on Tuesday night ahead of their eight-match pre-season schedule, which begins at Whitehaven Amateurs next Wednesday, ko 7.30pm.

And Rowntree said the matches are key to utilise the whole squad and give some of the younger players more experience.

He added: "They will mix the teams up and give some of the younger lads from the reserves a chance.

"There is always a lot of players so they can chop and change. Eight games sounds a lot but you need them to give everyone a chance."

Rowntree himself did not train this week, but is raring to get back into action.

"I have done a little bit of running but I have mainly been cycling as the specialist said to leave it to the end of the month," said Rowntree.

"I didn't want to push it but maybe next week I will be back in light training and I'm hoping to make some of the pre-season games."

Reds announced a eighth friendly this week as they will host Bishop Auckland at Borough Park on Wednesday, July 19.

Reds pre-season games: Wednesday, July 5 - Whitehaven (away) 7.30pm ko, Saturday, July 8 - Annan Athletic (Raydale Park) 3.30pm, Sunday, July 9 - Gretna 2008 or Carlisle United Youth (Raydale Park) tbc, Wednesday, July 12 - Carlisle United (home) 7.30pm, Wednesday, July 19 - Bishop Auckland (home) 7.45pm, Saturday, July 29 - Kendal Town (away) 3pm, Tuesday, August 1 - Penrith (home) 7.30pm, Saturday, August 5 - Clitheroe (away) 3pm.