Sunderland manager Roy Keane will once again take his side to Ireland as part of the Black Cats' pre-season preparations.The Wearsiders will line up against Athlone Town at their new 6,000-capacity Lissywoollen home on Thursday, August 7 before heading to Dublin for a clash with Shamrock Rovers at Tolka Park two days later. Both games will kick off at 7.30pm.

Keane's side played three games during a week-long tour of Ireland last summer.

Sunderland have been swift to draw up their pre-season plans and have now confirmed six fixtures.

They will play Sporting Lisbon and Vitoria de Setubal in Portugal at the end of July before heading to Keane's first English club, Nottingham Forest, on Wednesday, July 30.

Ajax will then visit the Stadium of Light on Sunday, August 3 as the Wearsiders complete celebrations to mark the 35th anniversary of their famous FA Cup victory in 1973.

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