The Reds lost 2-0 to League One outfit Charlton Athletic on Saturday in what has been a torrid build-up to the new season for Kewell’s men.

The Socceroo legend gave 21 players, including seven trialists, a run at East Court - their fourth friendly in five days.

He's predicting big things from new signings Romain Vincelot and Filipe Morais who were both given minutes against the League One side.

It’s the sixth straight preseason loss for the Reds who have pitted themselves against some big opposition including Arsenal who annihilated the fourth tier side 9-0.

"We always knew this was going to be our hardest week. And for the players to play four games in one week it was tough, against great opposition – the top," Kewell told the club's website.

"So for me the most important thing obviously was to get the fitness, to get that mental toughness and also come out the other end with no injuries. Lucky enough we’ve been able to tick all them boxes.

"Yes we’re always going to be disappointed about the results but I think I can take a lot of positives out of this game and work on them.

Crawley have lost to Championship sides Norwich City (2-0), Ipswich Town (0-1) and Premier League outfits Fulham (4-2) and Brighton & Hove Albion (3-0).

But given the quality of the opposition Kewell says there will be no excuses when the season kicks off for the Reds on August 4.

He added: “I feel there’s so much this team can get now especially with the two new signings as well – you’re going to see a different Crawley.

“You can see Romain is comfortable at the back, wants to get on the ball, he’s always aware, he’s got a great leap. I think he’ll be excellent for us and he can also guide and talk to the youngsters around him as well.

“With Filipe you can just see the quality even within his first minutes of preseason. He can just pick out these little pockets – he just has this connection with players, he can just play these nice one-twos. They’re going to be fantastic players for us.”

Kewell has been running the rule over a host of triallists and said the players will know who gets a Reds shirt on Tuesday.

“We’ll sit down and talk and discuss who we want but there’s a couple of players who we’re very interested in,” he said.

Last season was Kewell's first year in charge at Crawley. The club finished 14th.