Celtic FC are delighted to announce that the team will travel to Ireland next month for a mid-season friendly against Sligo Rovers.

Brendan and the Bhoys will make their way across the Irish Sea for the match on Wednesday, October 9 (KO: 7.30pm) to visit the Showgrounds, just a few miles from the birthplace of Celtic founder Brother Walfrid.

Celtic FC Season Ticket holders have a priority window to purchase exclusive tickets on the Sligo Rovers website now until 5pm on September 10 – please keep an eye out for an email with more details.

Tickets will then go on general sale on the Sligo Rovers site on Wednesday, September 11 at 10am.

The manager 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.”

Another tie between Sligo Rovers and Celtic is Sean Fallon, the Sligo native who not only played for both clubs but was also Celtic's assistant manager in the historic 1967 European Cup final. Fondly remembered as Celtic's 'Iron Man', the astro-turf facilities at the Showgrounds are also named after Fallon.

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. It will celebrate the friendship and close links between the clubs, along with marking Celtic's historical links to the region.

Rovers boss John Russell said of the visit:

"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.”

Interest in this game is expected to be high and supporters are advised to secure their tickets as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

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.

All online tickets are subject to a €2 booking fee.

Celtic FC to take on Sligo Rovers in mid-season friendly