The Germans are sending an Elite team of World Cup hopefuls for the competition and will do battle with Northern Ireland in their first match in the tournament at the Riada Stadium.

It will be the first time a German national team has competed at the top international youth tournament and organisers are thrilled. Tournament chairman Victor Leonard confirmed the news at the weekend after Sudan withdrew from the Elite competition.

He said: “It is remarkable that the German FA acted so quickly when we told them of Sudan’s late decision not to come. The Germans have qualified for the World Cup finals in Nigeria later this year which gives an indication of their pedigree.

“Their coaches are delighted to be able to give the boys the experience of playing in a major tournament against quality opposition ahead of the finals.

“It is a real feather in our cap to be hosting a German national squad particularly as they are European champions."

In the past the Milk Cup has welcomed several top German club teams including Bayern Munich, Hertha Berlin, Borussia Dortmund and Werder Bremen.

Germany, coached by Marco Pezzaiuole, won the European title in May when they defeated the Netherlands 2-1 in the final on home soil in Magdeburg. They also defeated Italy in the semi-final and England, Turkey and the Netherlands in their group games.

At the Milk Cup they will open their programme with a game against Steve Beaglehole’s defending champions Northern Ireland at the Riada Stadium on Monday, July 27 (7pm) before taking on favourites USA at Ballymena Showgrounds on the Wednesday (8pm).

Also competing in the Elite tournament are past winners Israel as well as newcomers Bulgaria and long time supporters Denmark.

“With the addition of Germany we feel we have a strong Elite competition which now features four teams who have won the title in the past,” added Victor.

Announcing Subway’s continuing involvement, Northern Ireland board chairman Scot Heyes said he was delighted with the news, adding: “It is pleasing that we are able to continue supporting a world renowned event which continues to attract high profile teams as is underlined by the announcement of Germany's involvement.”

The tournament will begin with a parade of the 50 competing teams through Coleraine on Sunday, July 26, with a welcome ceremony at the Showgrounds.

Programmes will be on sale later this week, priced £6.

Full fixture list in next week’s Times