THE New Saints will welcome two former Premier League sides to The Venue next week.

The first of the Welsh Premier League champions’ friendly fixtures is against Middlesbrough at 3pm on Saturday, August 2, before the Birmingham City arrive for a 7.45pm kick-off on Wednesday, August 6.

The Middlesbrough match will pit TNS manager Craig Harrison against one of his former clubs. The 36-year-old came through the ranks at Boro and broke into the first team aged only 19. The former defender’s debut season at The Riverside Stadium was a huge success and he was voted the fans Player of the Year.

Currently playing in the English Championship, Middlesbrough are managed by the former Real Madrid and Spanish International, Aitor Karanka.

Birmingham City also compete in the English Championship and are managed by former Newcastle United midfielder Lee Clarke.

It is not yet known what sort of team both sides will field but with Middlesbrough containing the likes of Jonathan Woodgate, Emmanuel Ledesma and Dean Whitehead and Birmingham’s squad having the likes of David Edgar, Paul Robinson and Neil Eardley, both matches should provide excellent entertainment.

Tickets for the games are on sale now and can be purchased from The Venue, Park Hall.