FOREST Green have confirmed they will now play Championship club Cardiff City at home in a pre-season friendly.

Rovers, who return to training on June 28, were due to travel to Cardiff City Stadium on Friday, July 27 but the tie has now been switched to the New Lawn on Saturday, July 28.

The game has been arranged due to the close friendship between Forest Green boss David Hockaday and Cardiff’s Malky Mackay after their time together at Watford.

The tie will be a tough one for Rovers, but with the club setting their sights on promotion to the Football League, Hockaday is keen to prepare the squad against top-quality opposition in the run up to the 2012/2013 season.

“We are delighted to be hosting Cardiff at the New Lawn,” said Hockaday.

“They are a great club and we hope it attracts some new fans through the gate ahead of what will be an exciting season.

“Cardiff just missed out on promotion to the Premier League last season and they play at a higher standard to what we are used to each week.

“But playing against teams like this will allow us to see where we are now and what else we need to do to get to the next level.”

The Gary Neville Allstar XI match at the New Lawn remains on course despite the Sky TV pundit’s appointment to the England coaching staff.

Forest Green chairman Dale Vince confirmed the game will go ahead and is set to take place in early August.

The showpiece contest will also feature former Spurs and Newcastle star David Ginola.

Vince believes former Manchester United captain Neville will blossom alongside new England boss Roy Hodgson at Euro 2012.

He added: ‘I was really chuffed for him when I heard the news - and for England too, I think he’ll do a great job.”

Vince and Neville teamed up last May to form Sustainability In Sport, with the aim of taking the eco message into the world of sport.

The duo came together through a shared passion for both football and green issues, with an ambition to make football and other sports more environmentally aware.

FGR pre-season friendlies: Tuesday, July 10,Brimscombe (A) 7.30pm, Saturday, July 14, North Leigh (A) 3pm, Tuesday, July 17 Cirencester Town (A) 7.30pm, Wednesday, July18 Wycombe Wanderers (H) 7.30pm, Friday, July 20, Shortwood United (A) 7.30pm, Tuesday, July 24, Swindon Town (H7.45pm, Friday, July 27, Cardiff City (A) 7.45pm, Tuesday , July 31, Slimbridge (A) 7.30pm, Friday, August 3, Wealdstone (A) 7.30pm.