Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson said club record signing Leonardo Ulloa will be ready and firing come the start of the Premier League.
However, the City boss insisted the striker's £8million price tag would not guarantee him a start on the opening day against Everton.
Ulloa made his third appearance in a City shirt as the lone front-man in the 1-1 draw at Preston, but still looked like he was getting up to full speed following his move from Brighton.
After Ulloa's debut in the 1-0 victory over Everton in Thailand, Pearson admitted the Argentinian's fitness levels were behind the rest of the squad.
But Pearson said the 28-year-old has caught up quickly and will ready for Everton's visit to the King Power Stadium in a fortnight.
"I think the players recognise his qualities. He won some headers today that we probably have not had the ability to do in the past," said Pearson.
"His hold-up play is very, very good as well. It is about where we are in two weeks' time in terms of the players being ready for the season and he has fitted into the squad very well.
"There is also the question of understanding. Players don't just fit in overnight. We know what his qualities are and he complements the players we have here fantastically well.
"I am really pleased that he is in the squad and I'm sure he will play a big part in terms of scoring goals for us this season."
Pearson has some serious selection dilemmas ahead of the Premier League campaign with David Nugent and Jamie Vardy's pre-season form continuing from where they left off last season.
Vardy was withdrawn on Saturday after 36 minutes with a tight thigh, but that was described as only a "precaution".
Pearson insisted just because Ulloa broke the club's transfer record, it does not mean he is a certainty to start against Everton.
"Just because we pay transfer fees for some players, doesn't guarantee them a start, neither does it for players we get in on a free transfers," said Pearson. "Players that figured exceptionally last year have to do enough to earn the right to start again.
"That is how it has to be. I wouldn't be doing my job right if that wasn't the case."
