Defender Paul Connolly is already feeling the benefits of the Rams' pre-season trip to Holland.

The 24-year-old touched down in Amsterdam yesterday afternoon before heading to the training base in Mierlo with the rest of the 21-man squad.

Connolly, like his fellow summer arrivals, is settling in to life as a Derby County player while also getting to know his new team-mates.

He feels trips like this can help foster a good spirit in the camp.

"I have only been here for a few weeks, as have all of the new signings, but the atmosphere within the squad is excellent," he told www.dcfc.co.uk - speaking directly from Holland.

"Togetherness is a crucial factor in teams that are successful.

"The manager has a clear policy that if you fight one of us you fight all of us, and the players have taken that on board immediately."

Dutch second division side TOP Oss will provide the opposition as Derby get their on-field preparations underway ahead of the 2008/09 promotion push.

Paul Jewell is putting his squad through their paces before Friday night's game, which will be the first chance for the players to get out on the pitch again.

Connolly is raring to go already.

"I am definitely looking forward to the game on Friday and I know the lads are feeling the same way," he said.

"The season starts on August 9 against Doncaster at Pride Park and we cannot wait for that but in the mean-time it is all about preparing ourselves.

"With the way training is going, with the work we are putting in, we are going to be the best-prepared squad in the Championship."