JIM Harvey has been impressed with the Hartpury youngsters after many of them shone in Forest Green's first two pre-season friendlies against Championship opposition.

19-year-old Isaac Shaze in particular caught the eye after playing in the second half against Bristol City on Saturday and 61 minutes against former Premiership side Reading.

Ex-Slimbridge striker Mike Symonds is another of those trying to force his way into manager Jim Harvey's plans before the start of the season, after coming on as a substitute in both games.

Hartpury College students Ben Ashford and Curtis McDonald have signed contracts with the Blue Square Premier club in recent months and Harvey said the run of games leading up to the season is a perfect opportunity for more to follow in their footsteps.

He said: "It's a nice little squad and we've got the young lads involved in a couple of the matches. We have a good relationship with Hartpury and I'm happy for them to train with us."

"They're all very talented. It's a good opportunity for them to try and impress and win a contract."

Harvey said he was very happy with the way the squad seems to be shaping up, after they drew with Bristol City and were unlucky to lose 2-0 to Reading.

He feels the new quartet of Andy Mangan, Conal Platt, Kaid Mohammed, and Lee Fowler are settling in with the squad well and although there are still just over three weeks until the start of the new season, the early signs look good.

Harvey said: "It's very early days, we're still learning about each other at the moment."

"Training is going extremely well and the boys' fitness is coming together.

"We've had a lot of football now and it's been good to see them get out onto the pitch. They were two really good tests, just what we needed."

Forest Green's pre-season preparations continue on Saturday when they welcome league two side Wycombe Wanderers to the New Lawn.

Midfielder Simon Clist played no part against Bristol City and Reading, and is unlikely to be fit for Saturday.

Mark Preece had a hernia operation on Tuesday that went well, and he is expected to return in three weeks, while striker Adriano Rigoglioso (knee) will start light training next week.