Mansfield Town are to host Premier League Aston Villa in a pre-season friendly.

The former European Cup winners, who boast many international stars, will play at the One Call Stadium on Thursday, 17th July (7.45pm), two days before Birmingham City (3pm) visit the Stags.

Villa’s established internationals who may feature include Shay Given (Republic of Ireland), Christian Benteke (Belgium), Ron Vlaar (Netherlands) and Gabriel Agbonlahor (England).

Stags operations director Tina Broughton said: “We are delighted to announce this pre-season friendly against one of the most prestigious clubs in English football.

“Aston Villa are former European Cup winners and have been ever-present members of the Premier League since its formation in 1992, so for us to be hosting them is a real honour.”

The club said information regarding tickets for the match against Aston Villa and other pre-season friendlies will be announced later.