CARDIFF City will be lining up against Scottish giants Celtic during the prestigious pre-season tournament in the Algarve this summer. The Bluebirds have accepted an offer to play in the Algarve Cup against title-chasing Scottish Premier League club Celtic plus top Premier League and Portuguese opposition during July.

“Believe me it’s going to be an unbelievable pre-season for us,” said manager Dave Jones. “We have only received this invitation for one reason – the FA Cup final this Saturday.

“Suddenly, Cardiff City have gone global. There is interest from all over the world and we will be playing against teams of the highest quality in the Algarve Cup.”

Jones confirmed Cardiff City and Celtic have accepted their invitations, while Premier League Middlesbrough are set to confirm their invitation today.

It is believed Portuguese giants Porto will also compete in the Algarve Cup, although Vitoria Setubal are standing by as the four teams to take part are finalised.

Cardiff City, though, are certain to be one of the four for a tournament to be played in mid-July.

Full details will be announced during a formal press conference, which will be attended by City chairman Peter Ridsdale, in the Algarve on Thursday. The Bluebirds also went to Portugal last season, playing three friendlies, while they were due to play in Saudi Arabia as part of pre-season preparations this summer.

Ridsdale even wrote to the King of Saudi to organise the tour, but that was not finalised.

source: http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk  

And City have received many invitations since qualifying for this Saturday’s FA Cup final against Portsmouth at Wembley.