Newcastle United boss Steve McClaren is expecting another difficult pre-season challenge against Sacramento Republic.

Newcastle launched their USA tour with a defeat against Atlas and ahead of the Magpies' second game against Sacramento Republic, manager McClaren has stated that he expects another difficult test for his side on Saturday night.

McClaren said: "We have watched Sacramento Republic and it will be a different game but equally as challenging, particularly in such warm temperatures. We had a test against Atlas and we'll get one on Saturday."