Hearts today confirmed initial details of the club's U19 and reserve pre-season challenge matches - including a glamour game against Newcastle United's academy team.

The Wee Jambos will feature in traditional curtain-raisers at Oban and Musselburgh as well as taking on West Calder in a testimonial for Wayne Greig.

There are also friendly matches at Lochee United and Tynecastle FC.

However the stand out match so far is at the Hearts Football Academy on Friday 31st July when Newcastle United's academy team will afford Darren Murray's team the toughest of challenges.

"It's a great game to have," Darren told Hearts News today.

"We're looking forward to pitting our wits against one of the best academy teams in England.

"Newcastle United have some fantastically talented young players and all our guys will look forward to the challenge."

Click for latest pre-season fixture information for the first team, reserves and U19s