PEEBLES gaffer Gerry Rossi believes a record crowd could welcome Celtic to Whitestone Park next month.

More than 200 tickets have already been sold for the August 1 clash with the Premiership champions.

And a gate of over 1,000 - the most this century - could well line the Peebles ground for the evening kick off.

Perimeter fencing will be erected in the days ahead of the glamour clash with Brendan Rodgers' team.

And a hospitality marquee will also be in place to welcome the fans.

Rossi told us: "This is one of the biggest games in our club's recent history and could well see us with our biggest crowd for many years.

"There are all sorts of rumours going round about who will be coming with Celtic but we know that whoever they send will be good.

"Everyone at Peebles Rovers is working hard to make sure the ground is ready and at its best for the match.

"The stand is already close to being sold out and ground tickets are going fast as well."

Rovers, who signed former Gala Fairydean Rovers and Vale of Leithen midfielder Ross Lamb last week, will also host Championship side Falkirk.

Peter Houston will bring the Bairns to Peebles on August 8.

Prior to the glamour friendlies Rossi's team will face Carluke tomorrow (Saturday) with an 11am kick off at Whitestone Park.

And they will also line up against Bonnyrigg as they prepare for the East of Scotland League kicking off next month.

Rossi admits the arrival of Super League champions Kelty Hearts will add a new dimension to the campaign.

He added: "Kelty will be the strongest team in the league... as if it wasn't difficult enough already.

"We will approach playing Kelty the same as we approach any game but you know it is going to be difficult.

"We are all looking forward to the new season and I believe we have a team who can improve on last season."

Tickets for the Celtic match, priced at £5 for the stand and £3 for the ground, are currently on sale from Forsyth's, the Crown Hotel, the Neidpath Inn and North Point Barbers. Admission is free for Under 12s.