City’s Euro stars to play at Boundary Park

SPOT the players: members of City's squad will appear at Bounday Park

MARIO Balotelli and company are set to grace Boundary Park later this month in a game full of intrigue and prestige.

A friendly has been fixed between Premier League champions Manchester City and Athletic for July 31 (7.45pm kick-off) to give game time to the club’s Euro 2012 stars. It replaces the Birmingham City fixture due that night.

Though it has come about quickly, Athletic are overjoyed about landing such a lucrative game — one that former City striker, now Athletic boss Paul Dickov and club officials have been chasing for some time.

The majority of City's first-team squad will definitely NOT feature — the squad will be in the Far East on tour.

But there lies the prospect of the club’s Euro 2012 players taking to the field against Athletic. Italy striker Balotelli, Spain schemer and winner’s medal holder David Silva, France duo Gael Clichy and Samir Nasri and England trio Joe Hart, Joleon Lescott and James Milner have been given leave from tour duties.

Playing Athletic offers a chance to get non-touring players match fit in a game sure to be a big hit with supporters.

Further details are expected today — we’ll post them when we have them.


READ the full version of this story only in our print and eChron editions



Follow us on Twitter - @OldhamChronicle