Today it was announced that the proposed Everton friendly against Scottish Premier League side Heart of Midlothian, originally set to take place on July 25, has been rearranged.

The fixture - the first of Everton's two planned games in Scotland over the summer - will now take place twenty-four hours later on July 26, as Roberto Martinez takes his side to Tynecastle for some pre-season action.

Barclays Asia Trophy

The Toffees will kick-off their pre-season action on July 11 against League One side Swindon Town, before moving abroad to play in the Barclays Asia Trophy - a four-team tournament that was won last year by Manchester City, after they overcame Sunderland 1-0.

The contest this year takes place in Singapore, with Everton's first game against fellow Premier League side Stoke City on July 15. If Martinez's men should overcome the Potters, they will meet either Arsenal or the Singapore Select XI in the final on July 18 for the right to lift the trophy.

Visiting Scotland

From there, the Toffees will take a trip to Scotland in order to face Hearts and then Scottish Premiership side Dundee United. After the inital test against the newly promoted "Jam Tarts" on July 26 - a 3pm kick-off - Martinez's side will travel two days later to Dundee for the game at Dens Park (kick-off 7pm).

A new season approaches

As the new Premier League season nears, Everton will play two more pre-season friendlies in August, rounding off their travels with a game away at Leeds United, and Duncan Ferguson's testimonial game at Goodison Park against Villarreal - both of which are 3pm kick-offs.

"We have an opportunity to work in a different manner"

- Roberto Martinez

The Everton boss has had postitive things to say about the pre-season schedule, in particular the Barclays Asia Trophy - a competition that Martinez believes will help his side avoid a slow start to the new campaign. Martinez, describing himself as "very excited", hailed the "different preparations" that have been made for the Blues' pre-season fixtures, suggesting that the trip to Singapore gives "an opportunity to work in a different mannter", and that the games will help reach "a really competitive level", due to its "pedigree."

The Spaniard will hope his players get some much-needed minutes on the field - and that injuries are avoided - as the Toffees prepare to open their Premier League campaign at home to Watford on Sunday August 8.

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Ben Johnson
Ben; 21; author and journalist.