Tranmere will play host to Preston in a pre-season friendly on Saturday, July 18 as part of their preparations for 2009/10.

Rovers boss Ronnie Moore believes the visit of Alan Irvine's beaten Championship play-off semi-finalists will provide his men with an ideal examination.

He said: "Preston will give us a good test ahead of the new season.

"Alan Irvine has a strong squad of players who were unfortunate not to make it to Wembley for the play-off final and they will provide us with the standard of opposition we need."

Tranmere will also host defeated League Two finalists Shrewsbury at Prenton Park on Saturday, August 1.