SELKIRK manager Steve Forrest believes his team will almost pick itself for Saturday’s Lowland League opener - despite having 24 signed players.

During a mixed bag of pre-season friendlies the Yarrow Park gaffer has tried and tested more than 30 players as he prepares for the new season.

And he believes his biggest challenge for 2015/16 will be keeping all of his growing squad happy.

Forrest told the Border Telegraph: “We are already organising Monday night friendlies to give the players who didn’t feature on the Saturday some game time.

“I do think the team is starting to pick itself with a few obviously needing to get fitter and one or two others still improving.” Former Berwick Rangers midfielder Ross Gray made his debut on Sunday against a Hibs development squad.

And he is likely to start against Edinburgh University on Saturday.

But former France Under 20s and Marseille player Florian Moulet only arrived in Scotland this week and is unlikely to join him.

Following Saturday’s opener against Uni at Yarrow Park, Selkirk will head for Innerleithen on Wednesday to face Vale of Leithen.

Forrest added: “We need to get off to a good start and I’ll be disappointed with anything other than a win against Edinburgh University.

“We conceded too many goals last season but our defence is already looking much steadier.

“We’ve been building towards Saturday since last February or March and I’m confident the boys will do well.” Gala Fairydean Rovers take to the road for their league opener against Preston Athletic.

Manager Steven Noble is still looking to add to his young squad in the days leading up to the opener at the Pennypit.

But he is happy with how his team is shaping up.

Noble told us: “We’ve brought in two new centre halves in Sean Guiney and Colin Galbraith. Both players have done well but I feel we could do with one more defender.

“Preston will be difficult. They have a new manager in Colin Jack and they seem to have done pretty well in the pre-season matches.” Gala’s first home game of the campaign will come next Wednesday when they entertain University of Stirling.

Vale of Leithen travel to Dalbeattie Star on Saturday.

All of Saturday’s games kick off at 3pm.