Celtic have announced a slightly unusual mid-season friendly in Ireland next month.

The Scottish Premiership champions will travel to the Republic to take on Sligo Rovers next month.

Brendan Rodgers and his players will make their way across the Irish Sea for a friendly match on Wednesday, October 9. 

The game will kick-off at 7.30pm at the Showgrounds - which is just miles away from the birthplace of Celtic founder Brother Walfrid.

Rodgers said: "When you're working at a club like Celtic you are reminded every day of its history, so it's great to be able to visit and play in Sligo, a place where the club has so many amazing links.  

“The game takes place during the international window so it'll be a good work out for the first-team players who aren't involved with their countries that week.

"We know there is a huge Celtic following in Ireland, nowhere more so than in the north west, so it will be a great chance for so many so see the players in action.

“For myself personally, it’s always great to go home so this is a trip I am really looking forward to but for everyone else of course, both sets of fans and both clubs, I know this will be a great occasion.”

Read more: 

The game will also honour the memory of the late Tommie Gorman, a lifelong Sligo Rovers supporter who was instrumental in initiating this visit before he sadly passed away in June. 

Rovers boss John Russell commented: "It'll be a great day for both clubs given the history Celtic have here in Sligo. I'd expect the game to sell out straight away and it'll be great to see the Showgrounds packed to the rafters. It'll be a nice test for our boys to see how they get on against one of the biggest clubs in the world.”

General admission tickets are priced at €25 and there will be a limited number of concession tickets available at €18 for OAPs/students/over 12s and €12 for U12s.