George Thomason reckons Wanderers can take encouragement from their display against Fiorentina – and how the game turned “a little bit sour” in the second half.

The Whites matched their Serie A opponents for large spells at the Toughsheet Community Stadium, and Thomason feels that is why tempers started to flare as the game went on.

The midfielder enjoyed the chance to test himself against quality opposition and believes it will stand the group in good stead as the new season edges closer.

“It was very enjoyable,” he said. “Obviously, these boys are some of Europe’s best players, they are in a top division and play in the top competitions.

“It was good to put ourselves out there, give a good account of ourselves and test ourselves against some really good players.”

When asked about the feisty second half, Thomason grinned: “A proper game of football!

“Some people can say friendlies are played in certain tones but I definitely don’t think it was tonight.

“It was a competitive game that I think we were getting the better of, and I think that is why they turned a little bit sour at the end.”

There were a couple of scuffles, the second sparked by a late challenge on Thomason, but the 23-year-old had no complaints when all was said and done.

“It is part and parcel of the game,” he insisted. “I don’t mind it, I probably give out my fair few so you have to take it when it comes your way.”

The Wanderers squad have now had a handful of games to build up their sharpness and experiment with a few tweaks.

Thomason reckons there are plenty of positives to build on and is determined to kick on in the coming weeks.

“We are coming to the back end of it so the boys are getting a few more minutes and that real sharpness is coming into the legs,” he explained.

“I think the fans here tonight will have seen we are trying different things, strategies are a little bit different and it is enjoyable.

“The system is good to play in and I think we are working smarter. It is really fun out there.”

Klaidi Lolos and Scott Arfield were both involved against the Italian club, while Chris Forino and Luke Southwood have also joined the group this summer.

Thomason is used to change at Wanderers, having seen plenty of faces come and go since joining the club in 2020.

The tenacious midfielder says the new additions are bedding in well ahead of the League One opener against Leyton Orient in two weeks’ time.

“The group of boys here are all class, there are no bad eggs,” he said. “They have fitted in well and I think they are getting to grips with what the manager wants.”