Steve McClaren explains why he left six players out of pre-season defeat

Newcastle United head coach Steve McClaren has revealed that the artificial surface at Providence Park forced to him to leave out six players in Tuesday's pre-season defeat to Portland Timbers in the United States.

The MLS side's reserves sealed a 4-3 victory over Newcastle, whose scorers were new signing Georginio Wijnaldum and Rolando Aarons, who netted twice.

McClaren has revealed that the Magpies started with Shane Ferguson, Gael Bigirimana, Lubomir Satka and Aarons in defence because Fabricio Coloccini, Mike Williamson, Steven Taylor and Jamaal Lascelles could not play on the surface.

"We had six or seven who couldn't play on this surface, and quite a few played who we only wanted to have a small amount of time [on the pitch] because of troubles they get," The Shields Gazette quotes McClaren as saying.

"In that respect, the key thing was that everyone came through safely and no injuries. We've more or less done that."

Newcastle will begin the Premier League season on August 9 with a home clash against Southampton.