RANGERS Under-20s have landed a pre-season friendly against Ards FC.

The game at the Bangor Fuels Arena on July 18 will pit Graeme Murty’s colts against the semi-professional Northern Irish outfit who currently play in the NIFL Premiership.

Last term Ards finished eighth in the Northern Irish top flight and Phil Cowan, who is the Rangers community football executive based in the country, said it will also be an opportunity for Pedro Caixinha’s first-team players to get some game time.

“Rangers have thousands of supporters from North Down, Ards and Peninsula area, so we are looking forward to this fixture,” he said.

“Graeme’s team will mainly consist of players from our Under 20s squad, plus a few first team fringe players.

“At Ibrox, there is a big focus on youth development and many of these players are earmarked for big things, so fans will get the opportunity to see some stars of the future in action.”

Rangers announced only last month that they have agreed with the SPFL to pull their U20s out of the Scottish Development League next season to play a host of glamour ties against some of England and Europe’s top sides.

This game, against a senior top-flight team, will help get the Murray Park colts up to speed for that challenge.

Ards manager Colin Nixon said: “I’m fully focused on preparing Ards for the new season and playing against a professional outfit will help us, immensely.

“It’s an exciting fixture and the boys are looking forward to it. Rangers are a massive club and I know they have some very talented young players. ”

Ards Vice-Chairman Warren Patton added: “We had a fantastic season last year, finishing eighth in the Danske Bank Premiership.

“We are determined to attract more people to our games, and this game is a great opportunity for people who might not normally attend an Irish League game to see Ards in action.”