By Craig Hope

TERRY McDermott says that Newcastle United's stars can expect a tough pre-season schedule with gaffer Kevin Keegan adamant his players will be in tip-top condition come the campaign opener at Old Trafford.

The Magpie coach says that both he and KK are strong believers in working the lads hard over the summer with the importance of a good start not lost a management team who famously won their opening 11 league fixtures back in 1992.

And, despite a couple of daunting trips to Man United and Arsenal within two weeks of the season's start, Terry is again targeting a positive return from the opening set of fixtures.

"Both myself and Kevin are great believers in a hard pre-season so that the lads are flying when it all kicks off," he told nufc.co.uk.

"It's always very important to get a good start to build momentum and raise confidence among the lads.

"It showed last year when we went on our seven-game unbeaten run towards the end of the season just what results do for confidence.

"On the flip side of the tough away start, we have got some decent games at home which are the ones we have to win.

"If we can pick up points at St.James' and maybe nick a couple away during those first few weeks then we'll be very pleased."

Terry, Kevin and the pair's wives recently enjoyed a short break in New York.

And, while KK is not due to return from holiday until later this week, Terry revealed that the Toon boss has still been working behind-the-scenes to bring in new faces.

"We had a fantastic time in New York and it was lovely to get a break," he added.

"Now we'll be coming back in this week and we're looking forward to the start of pre- season.

"Even though Kevin's been away, make no mistake, he's been on his phone trying his best to bring new players to this club."