Stat machine Rickey McGill insists rock-bottom Plymouth will be no pushovers as Seriös Group Newcastle Eagles bid to take a four-game winning streak into the international break.

The men in black face their longest trip of the season just three days after another stunning win against European opposition.

But former Patriots favourite McGill claims current form will count for nothing as the hosts look to rally in front of a partisan Pavilions crowd.

“Look — it’s not an easy place to go,” said the Newcastle guard, who added seven rebounds and six assists to his 13 points against Zastal Zelona Gora earlier this week.

“People might look at the league table and say we’re clear favourites but we’re not looking past that Plymouth team.

“I know my guys down there won’t be making things easy for us come tip-off on Friday. It’s a tough environment so we need to be ready to play.”

For all McGill’s understandable caution, the Eagles are hot favourites to clinch a third successive league win for a reason.

Marc Steutel’s men warmed up for their European North Basketball League (ENBL) showdown with Gora by rolling over Caledonia Gladiators and Manchester Giants last weekend.

And with Steutel now able to select from a fully fit roster it’s difficult to see how the Pats can conjure up the win required to boost their dismal 4-20 Championship record.

“We’re going to try and finish this period strong before the international break,” added McGill. “It’s the next game up and the next game we have to win.

“Sure, it feels good looking around and seeing more bodies for the first time in a long time.

“Playing with six or seven guys week in, week out gets tough after a while and so it’s good to have everyone back. I’m glad everyone’s healthy again and now this team is really going to get rolling.”

McGill sees fit-again Will Neighbour as a key factor in Newcastle upping the ante and accelerating their momentum in the final four months of the season.

And he was delighted to see the Eagles’ big man make a statement return against Gora.

Neighbour drained three big triples in just 14 minutes and McGill added: “That’s what Will does. He’s a shooter.

“He’s my guy and I want to give him a big shout out for being ready to play again after his surgery. When he gets in even better shape just watch him go!”

McGill is in a rich vein of form as he regularly packs the stat line for Steutel’s men.

But the modest American added: “I just try to be who I am and try to give myself the best opportunities and get the win for my guys.

“I try to dish the ball out, get rebounds when we need them and try and score if the chances are there. Even if I’m cold I’ll always do my best to try and impact the game.

“It was another up and down game on Tuesday but another exciting game for the fans.

“We gave up a big lead which we can’t afford to do against Bakken but we’ll keep on fighting and keep on trying to win.

“It was good to finish the ENBL regular season with another win but that’s in the past now. We’re already thinking about getting ready for the playoffs — on two fronts.”

Tonight’s game can be watched live on the British Basketball League’s YouTube channel with tip-off at 7:30pm.