MIDDLESBROUGH have announced their pre-season schedule, with five friendly games planned before the start of the new Championship season.

Michael Carrick will take his squad to Portugal for a week-long training camp from Sunday, July 7, but Boro will not be playing a public game as part of the trip.

Instead, their opening fixture of pre-season will come on Saturday, July 20 when they take on League One side Bolton Wanderers at Bishop Auckland’s Heritage Park ground (3pm).

Four days later, and Boro will be in midweek action when they take on FA Trophy winners Gateshead at the International Stadium on Wednesday, July 24 (7.30pm).

The Teessiders head to Doncaster Rovers’ Keepmoat Stadium the following Saturday (July 27) for a 2pm kick-off, before taking on another League Two side, Harrogate Town, at Wetherby Road on Wednesday, July 31 (7.30pm).

Boro then complete their pre-season programme with their headline game against Dutch Eridivisie side Heerenveen at the Riverside on Saturday, August 3 (3pm).

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The game, which comes on the weekend before the start of the Championship season, will see Boro take on a Heerenveen side led by former Manchester United and Arsenal striker Robin van Persie.

Ticket details for all the friendly games will be announced in due course.