THE FAI have confirmed that the National League's match against Manchester United will take place at Tolka Park on July 28th, while Dundalk have been granted permission to take on Liverpool the following week at Oriel Park.

As yet, no decisions have been taken on arrangements for the sale or price of tickets for either game, although, in the case of the Dundalk game, club officials have been quick to point out that admission to the game will not be tied in any way to other friendlies or early season league encounters, as had been done in the past.

The Manchester United game takes place on the same day as the Leinster Football final at Croke Park, with the likely result that it will kick off in the evening. However, with Lansdowne Road unavailable on the date, it is certain to sell out, regardless of what time it starts.

Two other Premiership clubs have also confirmed their appearances in this country in late summer. Leeds United will pay another of their regular visits to Shelbourne, while newly-promoted Sunderland will take on National, League Champions St Patrick's Athletic and Galway United.

It is expected that there will be several more big names added as the list of friendlies grows over the coming weeks, with at least one club, possibly Liverpool, being lined up to take on the National League at Lansdowne Road.

In the Inter-Toto Cup, meanwhile, Sligo will travel away to two matches after the entry of Greek side Kaunas in the competition was confirmed by UEFA.

Steve Cotterill's side, which has just signed 21-year-old centre half Daniel Moreno from Dutch amateur club Neptune, kick of their season in just in just over two weeks with the visit of Heerveneen.