Leeds head over to The Oval on July 18 for their first game in Northern Ireland since way back in 1982, and a bumper crowd is expected.

So much so that Glens have allocated Whites fans their own away section, due to the unprecedented interest in the fixture.

And while his mind may be a little preoccupied with European matters and the kudos that comes with all things Champions League, Glens boss and former QPR and Northern Ireland captain Alan McDonald is treating the clash with United deadly seriously.

The friendly is sandwiched in between Glens' tough if glamorous second qualifying round assignment with Israeli big guns Maccabi Haifa, who knocked them out of the European Cup Winners' Cup back in 1998.

Glens make the long trip to Haifa – the first Israeli side to reach the Champions League group stage in the 2002/03 season – on July 15, with the return leg to be played at The Oval in Belfast exactly a week later.

But while the prospect of a famous European night has generated plenty of interest at Glens, who reached the quarter-finals of the old Cup Winners' Cup some 35 years ago, the arrival of United certainly hasn't been put in the shade.

While it offers Glens a chance to pit their wits against marquee Football League opposition, it will also form a major part of the preparation for the domestic season with the Irish FA Premiership holders aiming to reclaim the top-flight title – something they haven't done in more than 40 years.

Boss McDonald said: "We get back from Israel on the Thursday and play Leeds on the Saturday and we'll certainly be treating it seriously.

"Leeds are a high-profile team coming over and it will be two big games for us with the Haifa home game as well.

"Since I've been at the club, we've been quite fortunate in having some really high-profile teams come over.

"Manchester United came over a couple of years ago and we've also had Coventry, Hearts and Espanyol, from Spain. And Burnley also came over last year. Leeds will fit in nicely for us and it's a good tie.

"We've had a lot of interest in the Leeds game. Leeds still have a reasonable fan-base over here and I think we'll have a good turnout.

"I know Leeds have been linked with Warren Feeney and if he signs that's a little positive for us as well, with Warren being from back here and his family are from the area where our club is.

"I'm looking forward to the game. I know Glynn (Snodin) through his work as assistant with Northern Ireland and also John McClelland, who does a bit of hospitality at Leeds. I played with him for the national team.

"I've played at Elland Road many, many times.