Scotland will enjoy what promises to be among history's most absorbing cross-country head-to-heads when Kenenisa Bekele and Zersenay Tadese meet in the Great Edinburgh International at Holyrood on January 12.

The Eritrean, Tadese, denied his Ethiopian rival a record sixth world title last March, and on Sunday made a successful defence of his World Road Running crown over the half marathon, in Udine, Italy.

The 25-year-old Bekele, who will be chasing a third successive win in the capital, over the traditional 9.3km course, has yet to give any hint about the world event, though he is sure to be pressurised by the Ethiopian body. In Mombassa this year he dropped out, struggling in high heat and humidity.

Bekele was quick to grab the chance of a rematch, said Matthew Turnbull, the event's elite athletes director.

"The deal was done and dusted within five minutes - his agent told me he was eager to have a cross-country race against Tadese as quickly as possible," said Turnbull.

The Eritrean was a disappointed fourth when Bekele won his third successive world 10,000m title in Osaka two months ago, but after Sunday's half marathon win he feels his victory last March was no fluke.

"I'm looking forward to returning to Edinburgh," he said. "It will be great running again there, particularly as it will also stage the world championships next year . . . We've had some great races together - I'm sure this will be another."

Eliud Kipchoge, former world 5000m champion, is also confirmed in the field.