STRIKER Callum Wilson believes Cherries’ continental tests in pre-season will help them thoroughly prepare for the Premier League.

The 26-year-old frontman played the opening half during the Dorset club’s first friendly against Sevilla on Saturday.

Another La Liga outfit in Levante await Eddie Howe’s men at La Manga Club tomorrow (7pm), while home fixtures against Real Betis and Marseille are scheduled after clashes at Bristol City and Nottingham Forest.

Asked about the European opposition scheduled during pre-season, Wilson told the Daily Echo: “That’s the best way it should be. You don’t want to play against too much lower-league opposition in the English leagues.

“No disrespect to them but you wouldn’t get as much out of it as you could if you were playing against a La Liga or Ligue 1 team.

“You want tough tests and games which are going to replicate Premier League matches, that is what our schedule consists of this year.

“I am excited more than anything to have a good pre-season, get involved in the games and get up and running as soon as the season starts.”