Wolves to return to Ireland for friendly with Bray Wanderers

Wolves today announced plans to return to Ireland for a pre-season training camp and friendly with Bray Wanderers in July.

The squad will spend a week in Ireland from July 16-22, which includes the friendly with Bray on Saturday, July 21 (3pm).

They will again be based at the palatial Carton House in Kildare, a venue used in the past by Real Madrid, around 15 miles west of Dublin.

It will be the third year in a row the squad has been based at the luxury venue, which contains two championship golf courses.

But it is viewed as ideal for a week of fitness work and training to help preparations for the new campaign.

It's understood the tour was already arranged before new boss Stale Solbakken took over, but the Norwegian approved the plans before flying back to his homeland.

Solbakken officially starts work on July 1, eight days before the squad begins pre-season training, meaning they will be training for a week before departing for Ireland.

Wolves last played against Bray Wanderers back during a pre-season tour of Ireland in 2007, a fixture which doubled up as a testimonial for home striker Kieran O'Brien.

Two goals each from Freddy Eastwood and Jay Bothroyd during 18 minutes in the second half saw Wolves win 4-0.

Bray Wanderers play in the Premier Division in the League of Ireland and play their home games at the Carlisle Grounds.

Wolves, who boast a healthy following in Ireland, didn't play a game over there last year, with their last game in the country being a 3-1 win against Bohemians in 2010.

News of the tour and friendly means Wolves now have four friendlies arranged in a schedule already comprising away games with Walsall (July 28) and Shrewsbury (July 31).

The only home friendly taking place is with Midlands' rivals Villa, on Saturday, August 11 (3pm) at Molineux, a week before the Championship season kicks off.