PROPER games are almost upon us and Argyle's Dutch defender Marcel Seip can't wait.

We visit Crystal Palace for the Championship curtain-raiser on Saturday and Seip is well aware of the challenge ahead.

"The proper games are what you wait for," he said.

"I have never been a big fan of pre-season, so I am definitely looking forward to Crystal Palace.

"Every start is tough. I haven't been following all the movement in the Championship but I know Crystal Palace are a good team, especially at home.

"I would rather the first game was at home but we he have to deal with it, and see what happens.

"I always think differently about pre-season games because you are not playing the standard you face in the Championship - Crystal Palace will be ten times better.

"We have kept a couple of clean sheets [in pre-season] but you have to bear in mind this was not against the standard you play in the Championship.

"Everyone is up for it this week because we know this is the preparation for the first game. Tackles are going to fly in and you will probably see a couple of yellows [cards] in the first 20 minutes."

Seip, like every Pilgrim, is hoping for a starting place at Selhurst Park and there is a chance he will be partnered in defence by new signing Réda Johnson.

"There are always new faces coming in and it is up to them to adapt," said Seip. "They have all played different styles but we will see how it goes.

"Réda Johnson is only 21 and he is promising for the future. He needs to work on his English but that will come. He is a big lad. He wins loads of headers and he is good on the ball."