Testing friendlies ahead - Jordan

Goalkeeper Jordan Archer believes much can be taken from our forthcoming trio of friendlies against MLS teams on the other side of the Atlantic.

We fly to the USA next week in advance of our first pre-season match against Seattle Sounders on July 19, with further games against Toronto FC (July 23) in Canada and Chicago Fire (July 26) lined up as our preparations for the new Premier League season continue.

Jordan, who gained experience of travelling abroad with the first team in the Europa League last term, says those matches will be useful tests of character – especially in view of the fact that all three opposing sides have been embroiled in a highly competitive MLS campaign since the beginning of March.

“They’ve been playing for a while now so they’ll be up to speed,” said the 21-year-old, who was between the sticks 14 times for us in the Barclays Under-21 Premier League last season. “We’re obviously in pre-season but they’ll be firing and ready to go at us.

“The football is always improving over there so you know it will be good for us to play against those three teams.”

Since returning to training last week, Scotland Under-21 international Jordan has been put through his paces by new Goalkeeping Coach Toni Jimenez – with the upbeat atmosphere on the Hotspur Way pitches only adding to the sense of optimism for the young stopper.

“It’s good seeing the boys again, although it’s been hard work in training,” he added. “Obviously we’ve got new staff and they’ve been good – everyone likes them. They’re working us hard so we know we’re going to be ready for the start of the season.”