Everton defender Phil Jagielka is looking forward to kicking off preseason in Australia.

Jagielka is now looking forward to taking on A-League competition in the form of Sydney FC, Melbourne Heart and Brisbane Roar.

He told evertonfc.com: "We have been to America quite a few times and that was top notch, so why not go a couple hours more to Australia!

"I get told by Tim Cahill all the time that the facilities are amazing and the country is amazing so it will be nice to go over there and sample it."

The squad arrive in Australia on Friday after the long flight from the UK.

It will be the first time the Blues players have seen each other since the final game of the season against Portsmouth in May.

Jags insists though that the journey will be about relaxing ahead of the new season.

"I think the flight will be more sleeping instead of chatting! I think we will be spoilt, so we are looking forward to it."