PRESTON North End are to prepare for life in the First Division with a European encounter at Deepdale.

Spanish Primera Liga side Athletico Bilbao will travel to Deepdale on August 5 to give David Moyes' team the chance of a tough work-out just seven days before the new campaign begins.

Bilbao finished in 11th place in Spain's top flight last season -- only a few points behind Champion League winners Real Madrid.

Two of Spain's stars currently playing in Euro 2000 will make up part of the squad to go to Preston.

Jose Etxberria is a forward with 26 caps and has scored six goals for his side -- four of which helped his team to the finals.

Ismael Urzaiz is another international forward with an impressive eight goals in 16 matches for his country.

Urzaiz notched six in three Euro 2000 qualifying games, including a hat-trick in the 8-0 demolition of Cyprus.

Three other players, Rafael Martinez, Juien Lopez and Joseba Lizardi, all have international experience as well.

PNE chief executive Tony Scholes revealed his delight at the fixture. He said: "Bringing a top European club side to Deepdale is a first for us and illustrates the club's growing profile.

"The game will provide the team with a good work-out prior to the start of the season, but it will also be a chance for Preston fans to see a side with top international stars who will have played in the European championships."

Bilbao, who normally play in the 47,000-capacity San Mames stadium, are managed by Frenchman Luis Fernandez, previous manager of giants Paris St Germain.

North End now face a hectic schedule of pre-season games, including ones against local side Bamber Bridge, Premiership team Everton and clashes in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The game will kick off at 3pm and ticket details will be released later.