Gaffer looking forward to Saturday's game against Trotters
Graham Turner says both he and Bolton Wanderers boss Dougie Freedman were happy for this weekend's pre-season clash to go ahead despite the clubs also being paired together in the first round of the Capital One Cup.
Saturday's fixture was arranged before the cup draw was made but the clubs agreed the match was a key part of their preparations for the new campaign.
"We had a chat about it," said the manager. "We had arranged this pre-season game and, sod's law, we were then paired together in the cup.
"I was keen to still go ahead with it and they were equally keen to keep this match on so we both agreed there was no problem with playing each other in the cup a few weeks later."
The Bolton match will be the first of two pre-season tests in quick succession for Town - who also host Birmingham next Tuesday against Championship opposition - with GT welcoming the fixture.
"I want to see further improvement in the team play and further improvement in the fitness," he said.
"For all the running we do round the track, up and down hills, there's nothing like matches to get the players ready for August 3 so we're looking for further game time for most of the players.
"We're looking for further improvement on the shape of the team, the passing, all the sort of things you're looking for.
"Once again it's against very good opposition who were close to the play-offs last season and they'll do well again this season so the challenge is there and let's see if we can put in an improved performance from last week."
Bolton might include former Meadow loan man Tom Eaves although the big striker was not involved in their opening friendly at Rotherham on Tuesday night.
GT added: "Tom came to us last year and did very well with his goals but I'm not sure of the state of his health, whether he'll be fit enough to play, whether he's got an injury or not.
"It's immaterial to me at the moment, it's more what we've got here and making sure they're right and getting something out of the game."
GT stressed he remained an admirer of Eaves who made his first team debut for Bolton in the closing weeks of last season following his successful loan spell at the Meadow.
"His goals were crucial for us and there were some cracking goals amongst them," he said.
"If there's any opportunity we would obviously welcome the chance to bring him back, but I think he's stepped further forward in the Bolton pecking order and from what I gather has started pre-season well.
"But I don't know what his state of health is at the moment and whether he'll play in the game.
"I don't know what their plans are. I chat to Lennie Lawrence occasionally, but Tom Eaves hasn't been on the agenda over the last couple of calls."