SUNDERLAND have confirmed their pre-season fixture schedule for the summer in preparation for their Championship campaign.

The Black Cats had already organised a week long trip to Portugal at the start of July and it’s been confirmed that they will play Europa League finalists Rangers in Albufeira with a second fixture to be finalised.

Before then, they will play two behind-closed-doors friendlies against National League North side Blyth Spartans and Gateshead.

After they get back from Portugal, the rest of July sees trips to Scottish side Dundee United, League Two outfit Bradford City, League One Accrington Stanley before ending the pre-season schedule with a short trip to North-East neighbours Hartlepool United on the same week the season begins.

PRE-SEASON FIXTURES

2 July – Gateshead FC (Behind-closed-doors)

2 July – Blyth Spartans (Behind-closed-doors)

9 July – Rangers FC (Portugal)

16 July – Dundee United (Away)

19 July – Bradford City (Away)

23 July – Accrington Stanley (Away)

25 July – Hartlepool United (Away)