Trabzonspor head to Tallaght to face Drogheda

They claim to have over 12 million supporters across the world, are the most successful Turkish club side outside of Istanbul and are currently embroiled in a battle to survive the Superlig drop. Yet Trabzonspor are on their way to Dublin this Thursday to take on Drogheda United in a friendly at Tallaght.

Apart from sharing colours and very similar emblems, the two clubs are looking outside of football in an attempt to boost trade relations between Ireland and Turkey. Several political dignitaries from both nations are expected to attend, along with members of both business communities.

The friendly is sponsored by Turkish Airlines and will be broadcast by Setanta at home and also on national television in Turkey - with both clubs hoping for plenty of attention despite it coming just 24 hours before the next set of World Cup qualifiers.

Trabzonspor, who made  Drogs their sister club two years ago, will bring a strong side to Dublin with them. The game is being played at Tallaght after Hunky Dory Park's facilities weren't deemed up to a high enough standard.

On the football front,  Drogs boss Mick Cooke may have a slight selection headache on his hands - with three games between now and Sunday.

First up, they face Derry City in the league this evening (the third meeting between the sides in just over two weeks following the Setanta Cup duel in which the Louth side won 3-2 on aggregate), with another Airtricity Premier Division game against Bray Wanderers on the horizon at the tail end of the weekend.

He will, of course, play his strongest team in those two games, but there is a risk of injury if those players are to also play on Thursday.

Yet despite that conundrum, Cooke believes the game could be a shop window for a couple of his players to attract suitors.

"All you need is 90 good minutes in a game that's live on TV. Just look at Keith Fahey against Hertha Berlin," he said at a press conference to promote the game last night.

The game kicks-off at 7.30pm and tickets will be available on the night as well as on Drogheda United's website. Adults are €15, with concessions €10 and children €5. There is also a family ticket (two adults and two children) on sale for €25.

Extratime.ie will be running a competition to win a family ticket later in association with Drogheda United and Turkish Airlines. Be sure and tune in.