Cork and Waterford to host Liverpool in July friendlies

Cork City FC and Waterford United will both host Liverpool XI in a set of glamour friendlies at Turner's Cross and the RSC respectively in July.

Liverpool return to Ireland 14 months after their 4-0 friendly win over Shamrock Rovers in the Aviva Stadium in May 2014.

Fabio Borini and Jordan Ibe were among the first team players on show in that encounter. The latter won the man of the match award ahead of what proved a very promising season for the youngster.

In 2012, Cork City recorded a 2-0 win over a Manchester United XI which featured the likes of current first team player Adnan Januzaj, and Michael Keane who has since signed for Burnley.

Waterford United has also announced a friendly fixture against the five-time European champions on Friday July 17th at the RSC, six days after the Cork fixture.

Liverpool last faced Waterford just four years ago, with the home team edging it in front of 5,000 supporters.

That Liverpool side contained the likes of Raheem Sterling and Jesus Fernandez (Suso).

Meanwhile Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel has reportedly turned down a new contract offer at the club, as he doesn't feel it's a fair offer for a player of his age.

“I am still waiting for the new contract,” he told Slovakian media agency Aktualne.

“I think a contract like this is offered to players who are much older than me or to players who have had some health complications. But I feel good and not so old to sign this contract.

“Also I think my health is OK. The contract offered is unacceptable for me. This is the reason why I didn’t sign it.

“I still have a contract running with the club. There was some speculation about interest from other clubs but that is not coming from me. Now I am with the national team and will be going on holiday after that.”

On a positive note for the Merseyside club Liverpool have announced a ticket price freeze on all general admission matchday tickets for next season.

The club has already announced a 10 per cent reduction for junior season tickets.