BURNLEY will begin a tasty pre-season build-up with an Anglo-Irish summit against Ards at Castlereagh Park next month.

Burnley have arranged a four-game tour of Northern Ireland and today Turf Moor officials confirmed the remaining dates for the visit to the province.

Burnley kick-off against Ards on July 29 before Adrian Heath takes his squad to face Glenavon at Mourneview Park a day later. Glentoran are the opposition on August 1, before the Clarets wind up their tour against Crusaders on Saturday, August 3. All kick-off times have still to be confirmed except the fixture against Crusaders which will start at noon.

Ards are based at Newtonards in County Down while Glenavon play in the town of Lurgan. Glentoran and Crusaders are based in Northern Ireland's capital city, Belfast. Burnley will face Crusaders at the Seaview ground while Glentoran play at the 30,000-capacity Oval stadium.

The Clarets will return home after the final match in Belfast because Heath has provisionally pencilled in a friendly against Third Division Chester City at the Deva Stadium the following Monday (Aug 5).

"This tour to Ireland will be very valuable and a key part part of our pre-season build-up," explained Heath.

"We are playing against good, competitive opposition and the week should be a tremendous workout for all the lads.

"The tour will also act as a good bonding session for the squad and that always helps build team spirit up before the season starts."

Meanwhile, Heath's second Portuguese target had been due to arrive at Turf Moor today.

The Burnley chief was keeping the identity of the player firmly under wraps. But he says he hopes to have at least one signing completed before the first team report back for training on July 8.

"I'm hopeful I will be able to discuss terms about a possible transfer this week," he added.

"Ideally, I would like to bring both players to Burnley. They are both very talented individuals and excellent prospects.

"Both men have played under-21 football for their countries so that says a lot about their overall ability."

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