Town boss Paul Jewell saw a lot of plus points in the Blues’ 2-0 friendly victory at Cambridge, not least the performances of new midfielder Massimo Luongo and two-goal striker Michael Chopra.
Jewell said: "It was a big improvement on what we’ve been doing, but there’s still a long way to go. I thought there were a lot plus points, especially Massimo, who I thought was outstanding.
"He trained with us for the first time yesterday but has settled in and although I know it's only a pre-season friendly, I thought he showed great confidence for a 19-year-old.
"He looks a good footballer. There is that touch of quality about him.
"We played the diamond system tonight and we’ll have a look at different systems before we decide to go with on the 18th.”
The Blues boss was similarly pleased with Chopra, although thought he might have netted more goals: "He could have had six, couldn’t he?
"I don’t know how the keeper saved that volley. He’s looked sharp all pre-season but we’re still three weeks away from where we want to be.”