Saints manager George Burley is eagerly anticipating tomorrow's prestigious friendly with Lazio.

Burley's side have got into their pre-season stride with five games against non-league and lower league opposition from England and regional opposition in Norway.

Blue Square South neighbours Eastleigh, Norwegian sides Svarstad and Kvik Halden, League One Bournemouth and Blue Square Premier Exeter City have all been defeated as Saints have recorded a 100 per cent start to pre-season.

But Delio Rossi's Lazio should provide a much sterner test.

And Burley is looking forward to pitting his wits against the Rome-based side.

Burley said: "You need to be tested and pushed on. You can go to lower league games away from home that are never easy but we have coped well so far.

"But Lazio have got the quality. They are a top class European side with some fabulous players and it will be a very entertaining game for the fans.

"It will be nice to bring a quality side here.

"Last season is gone and this season is one to look forward to, so I am sure there will be a good crowd".

Burley, meanwhile, has gradually increased the amount of playing time given to certain players as the pre-season campaign has progressed.

He will continue that policy tomorrow.

"It will be ideal preparation for the new season coming up so a number of players might play 90 minutes or quite a lot," he admitted.

"The score doesn't matter but it will be a good test for us and the players will be pushed".