City’s Elite Under-21 side will play four friendlies in preparation for the 2010/11 season and will include games against League 2 opposition and the FA Trophy holders.

The Manchester Senior Cup champions and Barclays Premier Reserve League North runners-up will kick off their campaign with a game against Conference North side Hyde United at Ewen Fields.

The clash with the Tigers will take place on Saturday, July 17 at 3pm.

A week later, on Saturday July 24, the Blues will then take on League 2 outfit Macclesfield Town at the Silkmen’s Moss Rose ground – again, with a 3pm kick-off.

The Elite boys’ third friendly is away to FA Trophy winners Barrow. The Blue Square Premier League side beat Stevenage 2-1 at Wembley in May and will provide stiff opposition at their Holker Street stadium – the game kicks off at 3pm on Saturday, July 31.

Finally, the young Blues will up the ante with their fourth game just three days later against beaten League 2 play-off semi-finalists Morecambe.

The Shrimps, managed by former City midfielder Sammy McIlroy, will host the game at their new 6,918-capacity Globe Arena on Tuesday, August 3 with a 7.45pm kick-off.

Further announcements will be made in due course.