FOREST Green boss Ady Pennock has utilised his Premiership contacts by securing a pre-season friendly against Arsenal.

Rovers will face a Gunners under-21 outfit at the New Lawn on Tuesday, August 5, 7pm.

Pennock said: "I have used my contacts at Arsenal and spoken to Carl Laraman and Liam Brady to secure the fixture and I am delighted that they will be bringing an Arsenal team down to play us as part of our 125 anniversary year"

"If you look at their under-21s squad they have some talented boys so I hope as many people as possible will come out and watch the stars of the future," added Pennock.

Arsenal will be Rovers' final warm-up ahead of the Football Conference league season, which kicks-off the following Saturday.

Rovers have already confirmed home friendlies against Championship side Birmingham City on Tuesday, July 15, 7.45pm and Premiership club Crystal Palace on Saturday, August 2, 3pm.