Magpies will be tough test - Clark

Clark, a former Newcastle player and coach, insists that despite the Magpies' well-documented problems off the field, they would still present a massive challenge on it. "It's a huge test for us mentally, technically, tactically and physically," Clark told the club's official website. "At the end of the day, they still have a number of international footballers. We need to do the right things at the right time, because the slightest mistake will be punished. "The game will tell me more about where we are, but it's still all about preparing the squad for August 8 at Southend," he added. Town will be missing Chris Lucketti (heel), Lewis Nightingale (thigh) and Joe Skarz (illness), but the rest of the squad are available for the game.