Town have entered a team in the Premier Section of this summer's Northern Ireland Milk Cup tournament. The Premier Section of the competition, which takes place at the end of July and beginning of August, is for U17 sides.

At yesterday's draw, carried out by Chelsea boss Avram Grant, the Blues were handed fixtures with County Down and Californian side South Coast Bayern.

The Milk Cup is one of the most prestigious youth tournaments in Europe with the Blues taking part in the U15 Junior Section on a number of occasions in recent years

Town have also entered a team in this season's Umbro Galway Cup Elite Section, an U15 competition, which they won last season.

Academy director Tony Humes says the tournament proved a very useful exercise last year: "The staff and boys all had a great time in Galway in 07, obviously the success helps, but I know we found out a lot about the boys in terms of their football abilities, their social skills and certainly their character, which showed through in the semi-final and final.

"The tournament was a big success and the feedback I have been given from Sammy Morgan, Gerard Nash and Malcolm Moore was that the standard of competition was very high. We spoke at length about the possibility of defending the Elite Cup and we are delighted to confirm that we want to be part of the action again in 08."

The Umbro Galway Cup takes place at West of Ireland side Salthill Devon between August 5th and 9th.

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