INTERNATIONAL football will return to Wrexham AFC's Racecourse ground later this year, it has been announced.

When Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds took over at Wrexham in early 2021, one of the promises they made was to ensure that Wales matches would return to the ground.

And that promise is now set to be delivered as it has been confirmed that Wales will take on Gibraltar in an International Challenge match on Wednesday, October 11 (7.45pm kick-off).

The Racecourse is the oldest international ground in the world having first hosted a match of that kind in 1877.

The last Wales match to be held there came back in 2019, when a Ben Woodburn goal handed Cymru a 1-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago.

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Work is currently taking place on the Kop end at the Racecourse, where a new 5,000 seater stand is being built.

This is not expected to be opened in time for the international match, but should be by the start of the 2024/25 camapign.

But, as the redevelopment of the Kop continues, the FAW hope that once built, it will increase the opportunities to bring international football to the area across all of the Cymru national teams.

The STōK Cae Ras, as it is now known due to sponsorship reasons, will also form a key part of the bid to host the 2026 UEFA U19 EURO finals which will mark the FAW’s 150th anniversary.

Fleur Robinson, Wrexham AFC CEO, said: "We're delighted to be able to welcome Cymru's men's first team back to the STōK Cae Ras for the first time since the club's takeover.

"Rob and Ryan have been clear in the mission statement that they wish to return international football to the world's oldest international football stadium.

The Leader: Wrexham co-chairmen Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds during a press conference at the Racecourse Ground, Wrexham. Picture date: Thursday October 28, 2021.

Wrexham co-chairmen Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have kept their promise of bringing international football back to the Racecourse.

"North Wales is the birthplace of Welsh international football and we are keen to play our part in its future too.

“We look forward to welcoming the Red Wall to the STōK Cae Ras in October, for what promises to be a brilliant atmosphere."

Noel Mooney, FAW CEO added: “We are very excited to be bringing international football back to the north in October.

"Members of the Red Wall in the area make an incredible commitment when travelling to the Cardiff City Stadium for our home qualifiers, and hopefully we can give a performance to be proud of against Gibraltar.”

Steve Williams, FAW President said: “Being born and bred in the Wrexham area, I am incredibly proud to see Cymru returning to the oldest international football stadium in the world.

"With the commitment of the FAW and the exciting re-development work taking place at the STōK Cae Ras, I’m hopeful this opens the door for further matches to take place in Wrexham across all our national teams and age groups, including our UEFA U19 EURO finals bid for 2026 to celebrate our 150th anniversary.”

Ticket information for the fixture will be announced in due course.