NEW manager John Barnes sends out a team designed to make a positive first impression on the Prenton Park faithful when Tranmere play their first home pre-season friendly at the summer against Preston North End tomorrow (kick-off 3pm).

Barnes promises to select from strength for the encounter with a Preston side who reached the Championship play-offs in May.

“We want to put on a good performance and give the fans something to shout about,” Barnes said. “I’m hoping Preston also put out a strong side because a game like this can be a good test for us.”

Barnes split his pool of 15 professionals into two groups for the midweek games against local non-League sides Cammell Laird and Heswall.

There may be fewer opportunities for youngsters and trialists in the starting line-up against Preston. But Rovers don’t yet have a senior goalkeeper signed up, so the gloves are likely to be worn by 17-year-old trainee Joe Collister or Patrick Lane, a 20-year-old trialist from California who played in the 3-2 defeat at Cammell Laird on Tuesday.

Admission to the Main Stand, Paddock and Lower Kop will be £8 for adults, £4 for seniors and young persons and £3 for juniors. All other areas of the ground will be closed to home supporters.

Visiting supporters will be accommodated in the Johnny King Stand.