Germany is sending an Elite team of U17 World Cup hopefuls to next month's Milk Cup tournament.

It will be the first time a German national team has competed at the top international youth event.

Tournament chairman Victor Leonard confirmed the news after Sudan withdrew from the Elite competition.

"The Germans have qualified for the World Cup finals in Nigeria later this year which gives an indication of their pedigree." said Leonard.

He added: "It is remarkable that the German FA acted so quickly when we told them of Sudan's late decision not to come.

"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 in Ballymoney on Monday, 27 July.

They will then take on favourites USA at Ballymena Showgrounds two days later.

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

The tournament kicks off on 27 July, following the welcome ceremony and parade of 50 competing teams in Coleraine a day earlier.

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