MILAN Srnicek is to play in a Newcastle Legends game having taken the place of his late brother and Newcastle hero, Pavel Srnicek.

The former Magpies shot-stopper had been scheduled to play in the charity game against Manchester Select but tragically died in December 2015 after suffering a heart attack.

Now Milan will share goalkeeping duties with Pavel's friend and former team-mate Steve Harper. Both will play a half each in the game on Sunday, October 9.

Milan expressed his delight having been asked to play in the match which is in aid of the Alan Shearer Foundation. He said: "I’m honoured and I greatly appreciate it.

"I’ve never been between the sticks so I hope I will not disgrace the name Srnicek and I am extremely happy that I will be back among people who so loved my brother so much.

"I am taking the challenge very seriously and my brothers’ last club, Sparta Prague, have invited me to train with them. Dan Zidka is goalkeeping coach who worked with Pavel and will train me.”

Harper, who made over 150 appearances for Newcastle, explained how thrilled he was to have been asked to play.

He said: "I’m honoured to be asked to replace Pavel and to split the goalkeeping duties with his brother Milan.

"I can remember Milan regularly came to watch us training at Maiden Castle back in those days and hopefully he’ll have picked up some useful tips from his brother.”

Former Newcastle stars including Les Ferdinand, Tino Asprilla and Darren Peacock have confirmed they will play in the game held at the Newcastle Falcon's Kingston Park.

Tickets for the game are priced at £10 for adults and £5 for children and can be purchased from www.newcastlefalcons.co.uk and by calling 0871 226 6060.