FORMER Northern Ireland midfielder Jim Magilton will bring his Ipswich Town side to the Oval this summer.
The Glens have arranged a pre-season friendly with the Coca-Cola Championship club for Saturday, July 19.
The game will form part of Paul Leeman’s testimonial year at the Big Two giants, and is one of three exciting fixtures lined up in the months
ahead.
Already confirmed is Burnley on Monday, July 28 (7.30pm), and the finishing touches are currently being put on a deal to bring Scottish Premiership side Hearts to the province.
It is hoped the Tynecastle club can fulfil a friendly date on Monday, July 14.
Last summer Manchester United, Coventry City and Espanyol all graced the Oval for pre-season workouts, and Glentoran chairman Stafford Reynolds admitted the onus was on the club to attract more high-profile names in 2008.
“We are delighted that Ipswich Town are coming over this year, and also we have another couple of big-name teams set to arrive as well,” he said.
“They will all provide a great challenge for Glentoran as we prepare for Europe and the new league season. It is certainly something for the club to look forward to.”
Meanwhile Crusaders will welcome Scottish Second Division side Ayr United to Seaview.
The team better known as ‘The Honest Men’ will play a pre-season friendly against a club that bears the nickname ‘The Hatchetmen’ on Saturday, July 19 with a 3pm kick off.
The full article contains 254 words and appears in News Letter newspaper.
