TONY McMahon views City's trip to Scotland as a key opportunity to create team spirit.

After the past three summers of travelling to Ireland, Phil Parkinson takes his men north of the border tomorrow for a week's preparation.

City will face Motherwell at the Grangemouth Athletics Stadium on Tuesday and then travel to St Mirren next Saturday.

But utility player McMahon insists the time spent all together at the team hotel will prove to be just as beneficial in the build-up to the new campaign.

"Everyone's looking forward to the trip to Scotland and it's massively important," he said.

"With the new signings coming in, it gives us that settling in period. It brings everyone together when we're away 24/7 like that.

"When you're together all the time, you see different characters emerge and it brings out the best in people.

"It takes time to settle at a new club. It was the same when I came here.

"I wouldn't say I'm a shy lad, by any means, but you are naturally quiet at first. You're trying to weigh people up when you start."

McMahon got to know the City way of life during his loan stint at the end of last season. He feels the absence of any cliques is one of the strengths of Parkinson's management.

"It's a brilliant group here and that was one of the reasons for me coming back," said McMahon.

"It's the sense of togetherness, not just for the players but with the manager and his coaching staff as well. It's really tight-knit.

"Credit the manager for bringing that right mentality of players. He's got a hard-working, honest group of lads and hopefully that reflects in the performances on a Saturday.

"Everyone can see that we give our all for the manager and our team-mates.

"You can quickly tell if a dressing room isn't right but there's none of that. It's just a really good place to be.

"I drive in to work every day with a smile on my face because I can't wait to get into training."

City kick off their pre-season programme at Farsley Celtic this afternoon, the first of six friendlies scheduled. After a fortnight of fitness work and training, McMahon admits the players are keen to see some action.

He said: "We can see light at the end of the tunnel. We're still doing the typical pre-season runs but it's good to be building up to games again."