The Magpies will run out at Gallowgate seven times this season, and this weekend's clash against Burnley Women will be the first test after a week of solid preparation.

Three of United's last four games were in the Subway Players Cup and their Australian manager admitted she's been itching to return to Barclays Women's Super League action.

She also paid tribute to much-loved matchday programme seller Margaret Elder, who passed away earlier this week.

Here are the key points from her pre-match interview.

On Margaret Elder...

"Twenty-six years across the club, we don't make people like that anymore. So much loyalty, so much dedication, and I know it's really been felt within the changing room as well.

"We're looking forward to honouring her when the time is right. Everything she's done for this club is magnificent."

On managing her first competitive game at St. James' Park…

"I can't wait, to be honest. I think the last time that I was there in pre-season, I wasn't in the best state, so I don't quite remember it in terms of my own experience.

"I'm really looking forward to getting back there, getting in front of our fans and, more importantly, watching the girls put in a good performance."

On playing the first of seven games at the 52,719-capacity stadium…

"It shows the direction of the club, and I think we are all aligned on that. We know where we want to be, where we want to go and how we want to get there.

"Obviously, playing our games there (St. James' Park) is an important part of that.

"Now we need to match that in terms of the product we put out and the performance we put out, and that's our responsibility and one we are cherishing."

On being back in league action…

"We've been dying to get back to league action because it's what we're here for.

"We're really excited, and it's been a nice week of building with good preparation. As I said, it's our responsibility to make sure we go out there and perform for 90 plus minutes, and give ourselves a chance to get the result."

On facing Burnley…

"We enjoy these moments, no doubt about that. We want to go out and test ourselves, and Burnley are a good side.

"So we need to make sure that we're at it, but we relish the opportunity to go and challenge ourselves. This will be another opportunity to do that."