Celtic have confirmed they will play host to Serie A side Parma as part of their pre-season preparations. The Italian club, who have played Rangers with mixed fortunes in European competition in recent seasons, will visit Parkhead on July 27. The Hoops have already confirmed another glamour game against Ajax on July 24 at Parkhead after defeating the Amsterdam club in a Champions League qualifying tie last season.
Martin O'Neill will begin his pre-season games in the Republic of Ireland with matches against Shelbourne (July 6) and Shamrock Rovers the following day. Celtic will then travel to England and a game against Queen's Park Rangers at Loftus Road on July 13. The team will then move on to Austria where details of games have still to be confirmed.
Meanwhile, Rangers have been boosted by the news they will be seeded for the opening two rounds of the UEFA Cup next season. The Ibrox club are ranked in the top 16 of the competition after their Champions League and UEFA Cup performances in the last few years. They will now avoid major luminaries such as Chelsea, Leeds, Lazio and Parma in the first two rounds of the competition, the first round of which starts on September 19.
Filed by Shane Murray
