ACCRINGTON Stanley's Callum Johnson is happy with how his pre-season has gone and is raring for the start of the new season.

John Coleman's side begin their League One campaign on Saturday as they travel to Sincil Bank to take on newly promoted Lincoln City.

The right back thinks Saturday's opponents, Lincoln City, will be full of confidence following their promotion from League Two.

"Pre-season has been good, all pre-seasons are tough otherwise you are not going to get the strength in your legs to get fit for the matches, I like the running although I like playing football more," said Johnson.

"The last few games have been competitive and it's what you need.

"We got a good result against Preston who are a good side and I got an assist as well.

"Playing against any team higher up, you want to match yourself against them and see how well you can play and if you can hold your own, I think we did that.

"Then we did well against Morecambe, I was pleased with two assists and I hope I can carry it on in the season when it matters."

Bishop was signed from National League North side after scoring 33 times in 53 games for the club, Johnson believes the new striker will offer something different to what they already have upfront.

"Colby has taken both goals well, he has done well since he arrived," the right back added.

"When I cross it in the box, I know he will be there challenging and, while he has got two goals so far, he could have had a few more against Morecambe.

"As long as he is there and he is doing his best to get them on target, that's all you can ask for.

"He is a different type of player to what we have had previously, he can run in behind, sometimes you need that, he is a good target man, he is a good player.

"We are all trying to help him get back into full-time football but he has done really well so far."

Johnson will begin his second season at the club while being a permanent member of the squad having previously been sent on loan from parent club Middlesbrough in the 2017/18 season.

The 22-year-old has previously been linked with a transfer to Championship club Preston North End.

Stanley will visit Sincil Bank in three days time to kick off their new campaign, Johnson admits he goes in to every game wanting to win.

"I can't wait for the start when it actually matters, Lincoln will be a tough game, it's a hard place to go, they have come up, they will have loads of confidence similar to us last season," Johnson added.

"We started off well after our promotion and we need to go there and show them what we can do.

"Every season is a big season for me, I just go into every game wanting to win."