NEWCASTLE United’s stars have been warned not to expect an easy ride on their upcoming American tour.

Alan Pardew’s side cross the Atlantic for three friendlies later this month, with dates against Kansas City, Orlando City and Columbus Crew.

But as they ease their way into the first footballing action of the pre-season schedule, their American opponents will be flying at full tilt more than halfway through their own domestic campaign.

Adrian Heath, the two-time title winner with Everton and a former member of Peter Reid’s Sunderland coaching staff, is now the manager at Orlando.

He told The Journal: “First and foremost we are looking forward to the game, and playing against one of the biggest clubs in the world in only our second year of existence is a major achievement.

“We are going to be three quarters of the way through our season by the time it comes around. In terms of match fitness and sharpness there will be no issues at all, and the lads are all looking forward giving Newcastle a strong test.”

With United looking Stateside rather than to Asia for their pre-season plans, Heath believes the club have made the right choice.

“There are a lot of considerations when you are planning an overseas tour, but America ticks the boxes in pretty much every one of those,” he said.