Villa boss Martin O’Neill is disappointed not to be renewing acquaintances with Celtic at the Peace Cup – but believes the tournament will be perfect preparation for the new season.

O’Neill was set to face his former club for the first time in next month’s competition, but Tony Mowbray’s Hoops must now play in the Champions League qualifying stages.

The Scottish giants’ place has been taken by Concacaf Champions League holders Atlante of Mexico and, while the claret and blue chief concedes he would have fancied the chance to come up against his ex-employers, he remains excited by the competition.

His team will be based in Spanish city Malaga.

The manager said: “The Peace Cup should be a very interesting competition. One of the fixtures we were down to play was Celtic but unfortunately that’s no longer possible, because they have another Champions League qualifying game to play.

“Their name has been replaced by Mexican side Atlante and I think overall the competition will be terrific for us.

“It is very prestigious and has been moved to Europe now this season.

“I just think it will be excellent. The quality should be really, really good.

“It went down very well in the East, but now they have moved the venue . I’m hoping it goes down very well in Europe too.

“It will be roasting – very warm indeed – so I think it will prove to be great preparation for the start of the season.”

Villa kick off the competition against Malaga on July 25, before taking on Atlante four days later.

They must win the group to proceed to the semi-finals, where FC Porto or Lyon could potentially await, with Real Madrid or Juventus possible final opponents.