BARROW AFC will take on some potential Premier League stars of the future when Newcastle United under-23s come to town.

The Magpies youngsters will be at Holker Street on Monday July 16, for what will be the Bluebirds’ fourth pre-season friendly.

New AFC boss Ian Evatt will have a total of seven warm-up games in which to assess his squad and test out new signings and trialists ahead of the 2018-19 National League season, which kick off in August.

The former Chesterfield defender will take charge of his first AFC match on Saturday July 7 when they play Furness Select at Rakesmoor Lane.

That will be followed by the visits to Holker Street of League Two sides Carlisle United and Crewe Alexandra on July 10 and July 14 respectively.

Following the Newcastle game, the remainder of AFC’s friendlies will take place on the road as they head to Southport on Saturday July 21, followed by trips to Lancaster City and Bradford Park Avenue.

The Bluebirds had also hoped to play Workington Reds in a friendly but have not been able to find a suitable date to go up against the West Cumbrians.

A statement on the club website explained: “The club would like to express their regret at not being able to find a mutually agreeable date for a trip to Workington in recognition of their assistance to our signing of Nathan Waterston.

“We hope our friendly fixtures appeal to supporters who travel both home and away, we will have ticket and travel info nearer the time and hope to see you at the fixtures.”

Evatt’s appointment was confirmed on Friday, with the 36-year-old having impressed Andrew Casson in talks with the AFC managing director.

His only previous experience as a manager came in a brief spell as caretaker boss of Chesterfield at the back-end of last season. But Evatt has a wealth of experience as a defender with the Spireites and several other clubs.

Coventry-born Evatt spent his youth career at Derby County before going on to appear more 30 times for the Rams’ first team.

He went on to play more than 500 professional games at clubs including Queens Park Rangers, and Blackpool where he was ever-present during their Premier League campaign. Evatt was most recently at Chesterfield where he was club captain.

AFC pre-season schedule

Saturday July 7: Furness Select (A) – KO TBC.

Tuesday July 10: Carlisle United (H) – 7.45pm.

Saturday July 14: Crewe Alexandra (H) – 3pm.

Monday July 16: Newcastle United U23s (H) – 7.45pm.

Saturday July 21: Southport (A) – 3pm.

Tuesday July 24: Lancaster City (A) – 7.45pm.

Saturday July 28: Bradford Park Avenue (A) – 3pm.