Liverpool fan Seán Cox is set to attend a fundraising match in his honour at the Aviva Stadium on Friday.

It's almost a year since the 53-year-old was attacked and seriously injured outside Anfield before a Champions League match.

After the attack, Seán spent five weeks in a specialist neurological unit in Liverpool, before being transferred to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin.

He's now being treated at the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dun Laoghaire.

On Friday, a team of Liverpool legends will take on a Republic of Ireland selection to raise funds for Seán's medical care.

Seán’s friend Stephen Felle said: “We’re delighted to say that Seán is going to be there in person.

“It’s going to be Seán Cox’s first move outside a medical environment in almost 12 months, so it’s very special for the family, and it’s very emotional for [his wife] Martina.”

“She said he does [know he’s going]... and he’s excited. He keeps smiling, and he can’t wait.

He added: “The caveat is if Séan got an infection or a cold or something happens between now and Friday, we might have to change the plan. But as we sit here now… that’s the plan.”

Martina and Sean Cox

'Slow and long journey'

Stephen said there's still a "very slow and long" journey for the injured Meath man.

He explained: "[When] we talk about progress, or we talk about Seán’s recovery… I think people need to understand the degrees of magnitude are very, very small.

“It is heartening that Seán can say more words, or that he may be more alert, or that his movement might be improving.

"But it remains very, very serious for Seán, and he's going to need care for the rest of his life."

However, Seán is being kept up to date with Liverpool's progress.

Stephen added: "He hasn’t forgotten about Liverpool, they’re obviously in the race along with Man City for the Premiership this year, and nobody would be happier than Seán Cox if they do it."

Tickets for Friday's charity match are available from Ticketmaster.