Dream draw as County Armagh boys face Liverpool, Manchester United and Rangers

The Orchard County boys will face the defending Premier champions, Manchester United, in group D - plus CSKA Moscow, Australia’s Gold Coast Academy, Bohemians and Otago from New Zealand.

In the Junior section, County Armagh must meet Liverpool, Glasgow Rangers, Sheffield United, Chile’s O’Higgins and Donegal Schools.

County Armagh kicked off last summer’s Premier campaign with a memorable victory against Liverpool.

Dean McCullough, the County Armagh Milk Cup Association chairman, highlighted the boost today’s draw should provide the players.

“We have around 24 in each squad but that figure will drop to 18 over the next fortnight,” said McCullough. “For those boys working hard towards the final squads, the draw obviously provides a massive boost.

“Each player will have an extra spring in his step now during training.

“It also hands the Association a real boost in terms of raising the profile.

“The draw was as good as we could have hoped to be honest and the experience of playing in front of big crowds and big clubs is going to be a wonderful situation for the players.”

The opening parade is scheduled for July 27 in Coleraine ahead of the week-long Dale Farm-sponsored youth showcase.