Eddie Howe's side begin the campaign at St. James' Park hoping to build on their encouraging end to pre-season, which saw them lift the Sela Cup last weekend after beating Stade Brestois 1-0.

And the first team squad were hard at work on the training pitch on Wednesday morning as the clash with Russell Martin's newly-promoted Saints draws closer. Serena Taylor was there to bring newcastleunited.com this gallery as the Magpies get set for the big kick-off.