MANCHESTER United's stars of the future are coming to Spytty Park to face Newport County in a glamour friendly match on Wednesday March 31.

Sir Alex Ferguson is sending down a select side to face Peter Nicholas' team in what is sure to be a sell-out crowd and a cash windfall for County.

The Exiles have lined-up the game as part of an agreement with the Red Devils of linking their Youth Academy as a feeder for the Premiership giants.

Although no first team regulars are expected to feature, there will be more than enough quality on show to have fans stampeding to Spytty.

Among the Manchester United stars that could be playing is Ole Gunnar Solksjaer who is returning from injury and could use the game to help him back to fitness.

Also Northern Ireland international Roy Carroll, who has played in the Champions League, could be coming to South Wales before he is due to play in Cardiff against Wales in the World Cup qualifiers.

Sir Alex has always brought young players through the ranks and this United line-up should feature potential stars of the future such as defender Philip Bardsley and striker David Bellion, signed from Sunderland and who has already featured for the Red Devils' first XI. County chairman Wallace Brown was understandably delighted to confirm the fixture.

Brown said: "It will be a very attractive game for the fans and we will look forward to it.

"The last time they played here at Under-19 level, Darren Fletcher was in the side so there should be more prospects on show for the fans." Brown said that a gala night will be put on for the Newport supporters.

"There will be a number of entertainment events planned for the evening and it gives the supporters an opportunity to see some very good players and to come and give us support in such a big game."

The tie-up between County's and United's Academys is the main reason for Fergie's starlets coming to Newport and Brown believes that it shows the Exiles are heading in the right direction.

He said: "The links we have with Manchester United's Academy proves that we are doing things in the right way, with youngsters being brought through and hopefully on to better things."

County will be hoping the match will attract some major sponsorship and a full house to guarantee that it will be a money-spinning event and bring in some much-needed revenue for County's promotion push.