DUTCH giants PSV Eindhoven have been lined up for a pre-season friendly at Ewood on Friday, August 8.

It is the first time for a number of years that Rovers will have played a home friendly as part of their pre-season build-up.

But they felt the time was right, especially with the club having returned to European competition by clinching a place in next season's UEFA Cup.

Former England and Barcelona boss Bobby Robson will be in charge of PSV when they come to Ewood in the week before they play their Champions' League preliminary round match after finishing runners-up to Ajax in Holland.

Robson is returning to Eindhoven for a second spell this summer, hoping to repeat the success he had before when he won championship honours.

PSV recently sold central defender Jaap Stam to Manchester United for £10 million and are in the process of rebuilding their side in a bid to challenge Ajax. By the time they visit Blackburn there should be a number of new stars in their ranks.

"It's a very attractive game for us and should prove to be an ideal pre-season fixture," said Rovers secretary Tom Finn.

"They will be looking to prepare for the Champions' League and should have a new-look side by the time they come to Blackburn.

"Bobby Robson's involvement is an added feature. Hopefully it will give us a taste of what we have to look forward to in the UEFA Cup."

Rovers are set to begin their European campaign next season at the first round proper stage, which is scheduled to be played on Tuesdays, September 15 and 29.

The draw for the first round is due to be made on Friday, August 28, two days after the preliminary rounds have been completed.

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