Hoops to play Villa at Tallaght Stadium in August

Shamrock Rovers will play Aston Villa in a friendly at Tallaght Stadium in August.

Shay Given, Richard Dunne, Ciaran Clark, Stephen Ireland and former Hoop Enda Stevens are among the Irish players currently inVilla’s first team squad, though how many of them will still be on the club’s books come late summer is a moot point.

Still, in what will be a glamour game, Rovers will host the Premier League team at 3pm on Sunday, August 4 at their Tallaght home.

Ticket details are still being finalised and will be announced in due course.

Meanwhile, in Airtricity League Premier Division action, champions Sligo Rovers are home to Dundalk at The Showgrounds (7.45).

The Lilywhites returned to winning ways last weekend as they defeated Shelbourne 1-0 at Oriel Park but will have to regain their great early away form this season if they are to get the better of a Rovers side on a run of five victories at home against the Louth men.

And in the First Division, it’s top meets second from bottom as leaders Longford Town welcome Cobh Ramblers to the City Calling Stadium for a 7.30pm kick-off.