Nottingham Forest’s pre-season training camps will be a vital part of their Championship campaign, because of bonding, as much as fitness.

Martin O’Neill’s side will play four of their nine friendly games on foreign soil, as they head off to both Spain and Greece for training camps.

And Michael Dawson says that, as well as the hard toil on the training ground, the trips will help any new additions get to know their new teammates.

The defender says the training camps at Burton and in Spain last season were invaluable to him, as he bonded with the Reds squad.

And he says the significance of such opportunities should not be underestimated.

“When new signings come in to the club it is great for them, because you are with each other 24 hours a day,” said Dawson, who expects to be fully fit for the new campaign, after overcoming his hamstring problems in the final weeks of last season.

Michael Dawson is back at Nottingham Forest for a second spell

“You train together and you relax together, so that is when you really get to know each other.

“It is not just about training for a couple of hours and then heading off home. You are literally spending an awful lot of time with each other.

“After four or five days of that last summer, I already felt part of things here. So whoever comes in this summer will hopefully feel that as well.”

Forest face Dundee and Peterborough United in Spain, before two testing games in Athens, against Atromitos and Olympiacos.

The Reds also face Alfreton (A), Crystal Palace (H), Mansfield Town (A), Real Sociedad (H) and Lincoln City (A), as they prepare for their first full season under O’Neill.

“We have some good games coming up. You cannot look too much into results in pre-season, because it is just about getting the work done,” said Dawson. “The manager will get his points across to the team and to individual players during pre-season and that is what it is all about.

“We went to Bristol City last season (for the first game) and we were disappointed with the first 45 minutes, but it does take time.

“You get a settled team after four or five games. In pre-season there can be different teams, different formations and a bit of rotation, because everyone needs game time.

“The manager will not want to show his hand too early, when it comes to what his team might be on the opening day.”

Forest manager Martin O'Neill chats with Roy Keane

It is when the action starts properly that Dawson hopes the Reds will quickly find their feet, to build some early positive momentum.

“Having a good start to the season is key to confidence. Everyone will have a bad period during the season,” he said.

“You need a holiday after a long season; you go away and recuperate and, after a few weeks of rest, you start thinking about making sure you are fit and prepared for the season.

“We will make sure we are ready now, for the new campaign.”