Old Firm set up French friendlies

Celtic have confirmed a number of matches against French opposition as they gear up for next season.

The Scottish champions will take part in the Veolia Trophy at the Groupama Stadium in Lyon, playing Nice on Thursday, 16 July and Olympique Lyonnais on Saturday, 18 July.

Then on Tuesday, 21 July, Celtic head to the French capital to take on Paris Saint-germain in the Parc des Princes.

All matches will be shown live on Premier Sports.

Rangers will also play in the Veolia tournament. The Ibrox side will face Lyon on Thursday, 16 July at the Groupama Stadium and Nice at the same venue two days later.

Rangers will then host Motherwell in a friendly at Ibrox on Wednesday, 22 July before Coventry City visit on Saturday, 25 July.

Rangers’ sporting director Ross Wilson told the club’s official website: “We are delighted to have received this invitation from Olympique Lyonnais and look forward to travelling to the Auvergnerhone-alpes region. We will step up our preparations against the high-quality opposition of OL and Nice in the two games in France before returning to Glasgow, ready to play at Ibrox.

“I was delighted to see Coventry City win the League One title under Mark Robins,” added Wilson.

Christopher Long has expressed his delight at signing a new deal with Motherwell. The 25-year-old striker, who scored 11 goals in 31 games last season, returns on a oneyear contract.

“I’m buzzing to be back,” Long told the club’s website.

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