VAUXHALL Motors have announced a prestige summer friendly with Sam Allardyce’s Blackburn Rovers.

The Premiership side, whose first team squad features star names like Paul Robinson and Roque Santa Cruz, will take on Motors at the Motassist Arena on Tuesday, July 14 (7pm kick-off).

Motors hope the fixture will draw in a big crowd and it should also provide Carl Macauley’s players with one of their toughest tests as they get in shape for the Blue Square North season.

Vauxhall chairman Alan Bartlam said: “Not worrying about relegation for the last few weeks of the season has enabled us to plan more for 2009-10, which is beneficial when you approach big clubs.

“We want to test ourselves against the best and make sure our squad is well prepared for the season ahead.”

Vauxhall expect Blackburn to field a mixed XI, made up of a blend of youth and senior players. News of the big clash comes just a week after Motors announced that under 16s will be allowed into all home league games for free next season.

Bartlam added: “The quality of the football on offer at the Motassist Arena is far better than most people imagine, as these players are invariably the unlucky ones who did not quite make the grade with the likes of Liverpool and Everton.

“We want the local youngsters to get on board with us – make a noise and bring your friends along with you – without having to pay a penny.”

While Allardyce was leading Blackburn clear of relegation danger last season, Motors were enjoying their most successful league campaign ever.

They finished 11th in the Blue Square North and for a period even threatened to break into the play-offs.

The club is hoping to build on that next season. They have avoided the turmoil and uncertainty that they suffered last summer – when they were relegated and then handed an unexpected reprieve – and have been able to start planning for next season early.

Blackburn are the first confirmed name in what Motors hope will be a star-studded preseason programme at the Motassist Arena. The ‘kids for free’ offer will not be in place for the Blackburn clash as it is for home league games only.