Steve Bruce expects his team to continue their positive progression when they face Leicester at the Walkers Stadium.

Sunderland left Portugal with a record of a win, a draw and a defeat from three games, with the loss coming against domestic champions Benfica.

But Bruce is more concerned with the fitness benefits of those games, admitting he's now getting down to the 'nitty gritty' with the big kick-off just two weeks away.

"I have been very pleased with the way pre-season is going so far and I think we are making progress with every game," he said.

"We didn't get the result we wanted against Benfica but it was a useful exercise and we have been working more on team shape and tactics this week.

"Now we're down to the nitty gritty and I will be expecting to see more progress made by the players tomorrow.

"We are on the right path and our sights are firmly set on the big kick-off on August 14."

Leicester reached the Championship play-offs last season but endured a change of manager over the summer as Nigel Pearson departed for Hull City.

Former Swansea chief Paulo Sousa came in and Bruce says the challenge of facing the new-look Foxes is an ideal one at this stage of the pre-season.

"We will play a strong side and I have a good squad available to me," Bruce added.

"Of course we know what Leicester can do. They are familiar to us with Waggy having been there although obviously Paulo Sousa has come in since.

"A trip down there is always a tough one and that's exactly the kind of test we need at this stage of the pre-season.

"The game gives me a chance to look at one or two more options."