STEVE Bruce admits his Newcastle United side aren't up to scratch at the moment and have work to do over pre-season. 

The Magpies were on the receiving end of a 1-0 friendly defeat to National League North side York City thanks to Michael Duckworth's 87th minute header, despite Newcastle fielding a strong side. 

They had the lions share of chances throughout the game and should have put the game to bed long before Duckworth's header but they were unable to find the back of the net.

“Listen, we’re disappointed with the result, of course, but it’s not all about the result" said Bruce. 

"We didn’t deserve to lose, but it just shows you if you don’t play with the intensity and the speed and the pace you normally do, then you get frustrating afternoons like we’ve just had. It’s all about fitness levels.

"We’ve had a really big week in terms of the levels of what they got up to, and the kilometres they’ve done, so it’s the first of getting ready for the challenge of four weeks away.

"It was a decent workout, apart from the result."

Joelinton was the only casualty of the game for Newcastle after the Brazilian limped off in the 17th minute after receiving a knock. He was replaced by Dwight Gayle.

“Well he wanted to carry on which tells me that it’s not that serious but it’s obviously a concern.

“We’ll not know until we scan him and give the results out in the next couple of days."

Clearly the fitness of the players is a pressing issue and next up for Newcastle United in pre-season is a trip to the Keepmoat Stadium to face League One side Doncaster on Friday 23rd July. 

Meanwhile, the Magpies boss confirmed that Florian Lejeune is on his way out of the club.

The French defender is on his way to Spain to finalise a permanent deal to Alaves, where he spent last season on loan.