BEATEN Championship play-off finalists Middlesbrough will open York City's pre-season programme at Bootham Crescent on Saturday, July 11.

The game against Aitor Karnaka's men will kick off at 12noon with former on-loan City defender Ben Gibson expected to feature for the visitors.

Last season's on-loan right-back Brad Halliday could also figure, although the Minstermen remain hopeful of bringing him back to North Yorkshire for a second spell next season.

Adult prices for the game have been set at £12, allowing supporters to sit or stand in any of the three home sections of the ground, with the same conditions applying to all concessions who will be charged £6.

City's current pre-season schedule is: Saturday, July 11 - Middlesbrough (home, 12noon); Tuesday, July 14 - Darlington 1886 (away, 7pm); Wednesday, July 29 - Newcastle United (home, 7.45pm); Saturday, August 1 - FC Halifax Town (away, 3pm).