Former Leeds United and Everton striker Jermaine Beckford says he "can’t wait" to see two of his old sides go head-to-head at Elland Road tonight in the opening game of the new season.

Beckford, who enjoyed prolific spells at both clubs, admitted the build-up to the campaign had felt long – but believes the fixture is the perfect curtain-raiser.

"I'm so excited, I can't wait. It feels like the summer has been never-ending," Beckford told leedsunited.com.

"One of the biggest things for me is the first game of the season – two of my previous clubs going up against each other at Elland Road. I'm really looking forward to it because both sides are great footballing clubs, with great fanbases and great history."

Leeds return to the Premier League after winning promotion last term, while Everton begin life in their new stadium – a move that has heightened expectation on Merseyside.

"Everton, having made a few new signings recently and with it being their first season in the new stadium, are going to have a lot of expectations. So there might be a little bit more pressure on them to win the game, as opposed to Leeds, who have just been promoted," Beckford said. "It's exciting to see what's going to happen."

David Moyes’ side endured a mixed summer, with injuries and patchy pre-season form tempering some of the optimism generated by their transfer business.

"I've watched Everton over the course of last season and during the summer. Pre-season results haven't been fantastic. Performance-wise, they've not been bad, but they've been lacking in one or two areas, had a couple of injuries as well, and it looks like Branthwaite might be out for a little bit. David Moyes will be a little bit disappointed with what he's seen, but this is the first game of the season – and this is where it counts."