Newcastle United keeper Rob Elliot feels that his side's pre-season tour of New Zealand couldn't have prepared them better for the upcoming Premier League campaign.
The Magpies recorded victories over Sydney FC and Wellington Phoenix in their two matches on tour.
Elliot believes that the different types of matches that his side played will stand them in good stead for the start of the season.
He told the club's official website: "It is almost perfect in a way. If you could ask for it, you would want two games of football - one where you play free-flowing, technical football with loads of movement.
"Then the second like an away game, with a big stadium, loads of noise and against a team who put you under pressure.
"We have experienced both of those out here and it's really pleasing that we came through both of those tests, with two wins and two clean sheets. It couldn't have gone much better and it shows we have got a great group here."
Newcastle face Manchester City in their Premier League opener on August 17.
Simon Sinclair
