Henry (right) scored the winning goal against United last year

Barcelona have arranged friendly matches against Hibernian and Dundee United in Scotland this summer.

The Catalan club began their pre-season preparations last year with games against United at Tannadice and Hearts at Murrayfield.

Barcelona will again return to St Andrews to conduct the first week of their pre-season schedule.

They will play Hibs at Murrayfield on Thursday July 24 before taking on United at Tannadice two days later.

Barcelona sports director Txiki Begiristain said: "We are happy to come back to St Andrews taking into consideration that the experience from last year was more than positive.

"The facilities, the weather, the logistics - everything contributed to work in perfect conditions.

We fully expect this match to provide another fantastic experience for everyone involved Hibernian chief executive Scott Lindsay

"They exceeded all of our expectations. I can confirm that the players were satisfied with the experience and are looking forward to come back this summer."

Hibs knocked Barcelona out of the 1960-61 Fairs Cup, drawing 4-4 in the Nou Camp and winning 3-2 in Edinburgh.

And the Easter Road club's chief executive, Scott Lindsay, told his club website: "The last time the two clubs met in Edinburgh was over 40 years ago.

"That was a remarkable occasion and we fully expect this match to provide another fantastic experience for everyone involved."

Hibs are also taking part in the Inter-toto Cup prior to the start of the domestic season.

They will open in the second round on 5/6 and 12/13 July against Swedish side Elfsborg or Torshavn from the Faroe Islands.

And manager Mixu Paatelainen said of Barcelona visit: "It is fantastic and offers a challenging match which will provide a real test for our players.

"Games of this stature against top-quality opposition do not become available very often, so it was an invitation I felt that we should accept.

MY SPORT: DEBATE Give your reaction to Barcelona's visit

"This is a match I'm sure our supporters will enjoy and an experience that our players will certainly benefit from."

Barcelona defeated United 1-0 last summer thanks to a late Thierry Henry penalty.

Dundee United chief executive Stephen Thompson added: "Dundee United and Barcelona have a long-standing connection, dating back to the first time we met in the Fairs Cup in 1966.

"Last year's experience was fantastic for the club and our supporters, with tickets sold out in just days."

United could also face former manager Paul Sturrock's Plymouth Argyle, as the clubs are in talks regarding a friendly at Home Park in July.

Hibs have already arranged Easter Road friendlies with Middlesbrough and Wigan in early August.