West Ham United captain Mark Noble is counting down the days until he can lead his side out at the Olympic Stadium.

Noble told the West Ham website he is looking forward to the new season as they move away from the Boleyn Ground.

Slaven Bilic’s side is set to embark on a pre-season USA tour where they will face Seattle Sounders on Tuesday, July 5 and Carolina RailHawks on Tuesday, July 12.

The 29-year-old midfielder said he is looking forward to the tour: “I am over the moon, I enjoy pre-season and you get to see different places.

“I have always looked at other Clubs over the last few years and seen the big places they have been to.

“I know we went to New Zealand a couple of years ago which was a long journey, but to do these American trips and see these fantastic places is great and I cannot wait.”

With the likes of Thierry Henry, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard making the journey over to the MLS and Noble expects some tough opposition.

“It is pre-season and the results are not the major factor, nobody wants to lose but the main thing is that the boys get through it and stay fit,” he added.

“Pre-season is quite a fun time, you obviously work hard but everyone is together and we spend a lot of time with each other, so that is where the team spirit kicks in.”

The Hammers will see a familiar face as they take on the Sounders as Tyrone Mears plays in their defence.

Noble said: “I have not seen Tyrone in years, he was here for a short while and I use to give him a lift to Little Heath when we used to train there.

“He was a nice fella and I can image he is really enjoying his time out there.”

West Ham fans are known for how good their support is and with Hammer fans all over America, it will give them a chance to see their team in action.

Noble said wherever they have been the support has been phenomenal.

He said: “That is West Ham fans for you.

“I have always said that wherever I have been across the world, I have always bumped into a West Ham fan, whether it be in a tiny village in Mauritius and other places.

“I am pretty sure we will have a lot of fans there and it is a great experience for the boys and the chance to get some time on the pitch.

“It is also nice to get some hot weather training and the chance to build up our team spirit ahead of the new season.”