 Glenn Ferguson celebrates Linfield's Setanta Cup success in 2005 |
Linfield, Glentoran and Derry City have been drawn in the same Setanta Cup group for the second straight year. The Glens host Derry in the 26 February opener while the Blues start away against holders Drogheda United.
The other group includes Irish League sides Portadown and Dungannon Swifts with Eircom League pair Cork City and Shelbourne completing the quartet.
Meanwhile, the IFA and FAI are discussing making a joint bid for the 2011 Under-21 European Championship.
It is believed the chief executives of both organisations met in Newry last month to explore the possibility of hosting the event.
The Ports face a tough Setanta opener against Shelbourne in Dublin.
The Swifts start with a Stangmore Park clash against Cork City.
Linfield won the inaugural competiton in 2005 while Drogheda defeated Cork City in this year's decider.
The top two from each group qualify for the semi-finals in April with the final on 12 May.
Derry are scheduled to host Linfield at the Brandywell on 19 March with the return at Windsor Park on 26 March but the Blues are hoping that the dates can be switched.
Northern Ireland play Sweden at Windsor Park on 28 March and the IFA would not want the ground to be used two days before the Euro 2008 qualifier.
Setanta Cup 2007
Monday 26 February
Group One
Glentoran v Derry City
Drogheda Utd v Linfield
Group Two
Dungannon Swifts v Cork City
Shelbourne v Portadown
Monday 5 March
Group One
Linfield v Glentoran
Group Two
Portadown v Dungannon Swifts
Monday 12 March
Group One
Derry City v Drogheda Utd
Group Two
Cork City v Shelbourne
Monday 19 March
Group One
Glentoran v Drogheda Utd
Derry City v Linfield
Tuesday 20 March
Group Two
Dungannon Swifts v Shelbourne
Cork City v Portadown
Monday 26 March
Group One
Linfield v Derry City
Drogheda Utd v Glentoran
Group Two
Shelbourne v Dungannon Swifts
Portadown v Cork City
Monday 2 April
Group One
Derry City v Glentoran
Linfield v Drogheda Utd
Group Two
Shelbourne v Cork City
Dungannon Swifts v Portadown
Monday 16 April
Group Two
Cork City v Dungannon Swifts
Portadown v Shelbourne
Tuesday 17 April
Group One
Drogheda Utd v Derry City
Glentoran v Linfield
Monday 23 April
Semi-final : Winner Group Two v Runner-up Group One
Monday 30 April
Semi-final: Winner Group One v Runner-up Group Two
Saturday 12 May - Final
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