EXETER City boss Paul Tisdale is relishing the prospect of watching David Noble in regular action for the Grecians this season.

The 28-year-old stood out as one of the best performers during City's opening pre-season game of the summer on Thursday night, when they beat Southern League outfit Clevedon Town 3-0.

And Tisdale admits he cannot wait to see the former Bristol City man link up with the rest of his midfield when the new npower League One campaign starts next month.

The manager said: "Even close to his best, David should be a rock in our team.

"He played very well against Clevedon in his first 45 minutes. He is strong, offers physical presence in the midfield and he adds to our ability to pass the ball.

"I am hoping he can build on that success and I see no reason why he can't feature at the start of the season if everything goes to plan.

"I think he will be terrific in a three-man midfield with either Ryan Harley, Liam Sercombe or James Dunne. I am really excited about it."

City have already invested a lot of time and effort into Noble.

The playmaker was signed in the middle of last season but missed the remainder of the campaign with a knee injury.

However, Noble now appears fit and raring to go and should give the Grecians an extra option in the midfield engine room when the real work begins at home to Colchester United on August 7.

Tisdale said: "It's great for me. This has been the happiest two weeks of the season for me because I have not had to pick a team yet. I have not had to drop anybody or take anybody off, so it all goes downhill from here for me.

"We need competition for places and we have always done quite well in making sure people are realistic with their expectation and letting them know where they stand in the pecking order."