"We're all working hard and I think our overall fitness is improving all the time but it has been hard, it always is at this time of year," said Pennant.
"There have been double sessions, weights sessions, ball work; you name it, we've done it.
"But it's been good because we've got to know some of the new lads and it's given the young players who have come into the squad a chance to get to know all of us a bit better.
"They've come in and impressed us all and it's always good to see young players doing well, so hopefully they will continue to show what they can do because that would only be good for the club."