BLACKBURN Rovers will play Preston North End in a pre-season friendly which will coincide with the unveiling of statue in honour of legendary Lilywhite Sir Tom Finney.

The Deepdale outfit have confirmed that Graeme Souness will bring a side to Preston on Saturday, July 31, just a week before the opening game of the new season.

Before the game, a statue in honour of Sir Tom - who also has a stand at the club named after him - will be revealed outside the National Football Museum, based at Deepdale.

It is based on the famous 'splash' photo of Sir Tom, taken in the 1950s at a water-logged Stamford Bridge.

Chairman Derek Shaw said: ,,I am very grateful that Blackburn have agreed to play in this fixture. We feel that it is a great opportunity to unveil the statue for the fans and the City of Preston and hopefully we can have a very exciting pre season friendly just seven days before the new season kicks-off."

Middlesbrough come to Deepdale the Saturday before as part of a 10-game pre-season programme for Craig Brown's men.

On July 22, PNE travel to the Interlink Stadium to play Accrington Stanley.

They will also take part in a tournament in Ibiza, which also involves Watford and Sheffield Wednesday, as well as White Isle side SD Portmany.

The annual fixtures against Chorley and Bamber Bridge have also been confirmed, along with games against Blackpool, Doncaster and Morecambe.