The club's adventure at last year's international youth tournament in Northern Ireland took them all the way to the Premier final.

However, Rapid went down to a single goal against Spartak Moscow in the decider at Coleraine.

Milk Cup secretary Jim Weir says the club made it clear that they were very keen to make a return trip.

"It was a terrific tournament for them last year considering they were extremely late entrants although they did require penalties to win their quarter-final and semi-final ties," said Milk Cup secretary Jim Weir.

"They made a point of seeking a place early this time and we were only to happy to accept their application as they promised us on finals night they would come back."

Also in the Premier line up alongside favourites Manchester United and Bayern Munich will be New Zealand club Otago who were first introduced to the competition by Clark Walker, a son of former Irish FA president Sammy.

"Otago have been a big hit since they came here five years ago and they enjoy great support," added Weir.

Scottish outfit Hearts are in the May 15 draw too. This year will be their 16th and they will be aiming to complete a treble following their successes in 1994 and 2004 against Russia and Dublin club Belvedere respectively.

In the past their Junior representatives have reached no fewer than four finals but were unsuccessful each time, beaten by Norwich City (twice), the Slovakian national team and most recently Racing Club of Argentina three years ago.