BARROW AFC will take on former Premier League champions at Holker Street in pre-season.

The Bluebirds will welcome now-League One Blackburn Rovers – top-flight winners in 1994/95, but relegated from the Championship this season – to town on Saturday, July 8.

It is the latest pre-season game confirmed by Barrow, with six others so far lined up.

The Blackburn match is the earliest in the calendar – with no confirmation as yet if AFC will play their traditional curtain-raiser against a Furness Select a week before, its usual spot on the schedule.

Barrow have also confirmed they will travel to Witton Albion on Tuesday, August 1, with games at Boston United, Lancaster City and Stockport County also arranged for July.

Other home matches previously confirmed are against Nottingham Forest Under-23s and League Two Crewe Alexandra.

PRE-SEASON LINE-UP

Saturday, July 8: Barrow v Blackburn Rovers (3pm).

Saturday, July 15: Boston United v Barrow (3pm).

Tuesday, July 18: Barrow v Crewe Alexandra (7.30pm).

Saturday, July 22: Barrow v Nottingham Forest Under-23s (3pm).

Tuesday, July 25: Lancaster City v Barrow (7.45pm).

Saturday, July 29: Stockport County v Barrow (3pm).

Tuesday, Aug 1: Witton Albion v Barrow (7.45pm).