Alan Pardew relishing pre-season test

Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew believes that his side's pre-season friendly games in New Zealand will provide perfect preparation for their Premier League campaign.

The Magpies face Sydney FC in Dunedin on Tuesday and will then play the Wellington Phoenix on Saturday as they continue to gear up for the start of the season.

"The standard of the A-League is growing all the time and this is a continent which is really pushing on in the football world," Pardew told the club's official website.

"Sydney and Wellington will provide us with two very tough games, and that is something we will relish.

"Through these games, they will also be able to gauge themselves against us and get a good indication of where they are at compared to an English Premier League side."

Newcastle face champions Manchester City in their Premier League opener on August 16.