The FAI has confirmed that former Cork City manager, Damien Richardson, has been chosen to select and manage an Airtricity League XI to play in the Dublin Super Cup.

Richardson's charges will play against Manchester City FC and Celtic FC on 30 and 31 July.

Richardson took charge of the Airtricity XI last season when they lost to a very strong Manchester United team and the 63 year old believes that last year's game was a valuable learning experience for all involved.

With Richardson installed as the team's manager, a large preliminary panel of players from which a final Airtricity League XI squad will be chosen is set to be unveiled next week.

Depending on form and fitness, the final squad will then be selected closer to the tournament, which will take place at the Aviva Stadium.

There are also doubts over a number of players from the top clubs due to European action.

Depending on their progress, Shamrock Rovers players may opt out of the tournament because of a Champions League third round qualifer, scheduled just days before and after the Dublin Super Cup.

Sligo Rovers will be involved in a Europa League tie on 28 July and 4 August, making their participation unlikely.

St Patrick's Athletic and Bohemians stars could also be in action in Europe on those dates if they progress through qualifying.

Richardson said: 'This year we are looking at getting the players involved in pre-camp training sessions in the lead up to the tournament.

'We will have assembled an experienced backroom staff and will be equipped to give both Manchester City and Celtic a good game.

'Players in Ireland will be doing everything they can to be selected for the Dublin Super Cup, to represent their league and to showcase their talent as the tournament gets broadcast to 100 markets globally.'

Richardson continued: 'With Manchester City winning the FA Cup this season and with Celtic winning the Scottish Cup we are obviously going to be in for two very tough games so we will be relying on the Irish fans to get down to the Aviva Stadium to support us and to enjoy a fantastic weekend of football.'

Next Fixture

vs SHELBOURNE

Date: May 15th (7:45pm)
Competition: League
Venue: Richmond Park
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Team	Pld	Pts
Shamrock Rovers	16	34
St Patrick's Athletic	16	31
Bohemian FC	16	25
Dundalk	16	22
Derry City	16	19
Drogheda United	15	19
Shelbourne	15	18
Galway United	15	17
Sligo Rovers	16	16
Waterford FC	15	6