The Hartlepool United striker grabbed Pools' first goal of pre-season at Greenock Morton on Tuesday night, albeit with the help of a fortuitous deflection.

Pools, who were set to take on Falkirk on their tour of Scotland this lunchtime, should face a sterner test on Saturday when Kevin Keegan brings his Newcastle side to Victoria Park.

It will be the second successive year that the Magpies have come to the Vic for a pre-season friendly and Brown, a boyhood Sunderland fan, is looking for another goal against the Toon army after scoring in last season's 3-1 defeat.

Brown said: "You obviously look forward to playing teams like Newcastle. It was a nice test against Morton but obviously playing against Newcastle is a big one.

"I scored against them last season and I was happy with that being a Sunderland fan so hopefully I can get another one.

"It's good to ply your trade against players like that and see where you are.

"Obviously they should be a bit sharper because that's why they are in the Premiership, but it's nice to test yourself against them.

"I thought we were excellent in the first half at Morton and there was good movement and there could have been more goals there. Hopefully we can build on that and be ready for Newcastle on Saturday."

Thursday's Mail for full story and an interview with Pools legend and Newcastle fan, Brian Honour