Brendan Rodgers reacts as Celtic announce Chelsea fixture at iconic USA stadium

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Celtic have confirmed part of their pre-season plans this summer, as they embark on a tour of the United States – facing off against big teams at massive stadiums.

Celtic initially teased the announcement on Sunday with pictures of the Washington Monument, the University of Notre Dame and the University of North Carolina giving fans a heads-up on where the team will be.

The Bhoys have now announced a fixture against Chelsea at the iconic Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana on July 27th, which will be the third of their three-date swing in the country.

The 77,000-capacity bowl is home to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish college football team, which has a huge following across the Atlantic.

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers said: “Everyone at Celtic is delighted to be visiting the United States again, particularly for such an exciting pre-season programme and we are really looking forward to meeting Chelsea at Notre Dame.

“I know Mauricio Pochettino well and I look forward to seeing him and his team again in July for what I am sure will be a brilliant occasion between two major European clubs. Pre-season preparation is always an important time and, of course, Chelsea will present us with a strong and exciting challenge.

“We are so fortunate to have such a strong support worldwide and particularly right across the US, so I’m sure our visit will allow our fans a great opportunity to see the team in action and, in turn, we really look forward to seeing our fans there.

“To be playing at the famous and iconic University of Notre Dame at such a fantastic venue will be a unique moment for the club and we are sure the home of the ‘Fighting Irish’ will generate huge support for Celtic and inspire a great sporting occasion.”

It will be the third time Celtic have faced Chelsea after a Stamford Bridge meeting in 2006 and a trip to the USA in 2004 when the Blues won 4-2 in Seattle.

Opponents and dates for the matches at Chapel Hill in North Carolina and Washington DC have yet to be confirmed but 67 Hail Hail understands another English Premier League side has been lined up alongside an outfit from Major League Soccer.