Last updated 09:15, Saturday, 17 May 2008

PREMIER League side Middlesbrough are heading back to Brunton Park for a pre-season friendly in the summer.

Welcome to Cumbria: Boro boss Gareth Southgate

Gareth Southgate’s side will tackle Carlisle United for the second summer ina row after the Teessiders beat the Blues 2-0 lastJuly.

Boro’s visit on Tuesday, July 29 is the highlight of a pre-season programme announced by United last night.

The Blues are also heading north of the border for a friendly with Scottish Division One side Partick Thistle, while they will also play away games against League Two pair Chester and Morecambe.

Carlisle’s pre-season programme starts with a trip to Kendal Town on Friday, July 11 while it is understood the Cumbrians are hoping to resurrect the home friendly with Preston which was cancelled last summer.

Full programme: Friday, July 11: Kendal (a) 7pm; Saturday, July 19: Partick Thistle (a) 3pm; Tuesday, July 22: Chester City (a) 7.45pm; Saturday, July 26: TBC; Tuesday, July 29: Middlesbrough (h) 7.30pm; Saturday, August 2: Morecambe (a) 3pm.