The full squads have been announced for the Liam Miller tribute match, which will be taking place at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Tuesday, September 25th.
The game between Manchester United and a combined Republic of Ireland-Glasgow Celtic selection will feature legends from the late Ireland midfielder's former clubs as well as former international team-mates.
Roy Keane, Paul Scholes, Kevin Kilbane and Robbie Keane will be among the former players who will take to the field in support of Miller, who passed away earlier this year at 36, having represented both Man United and Celtic during his illustrious playing career.
Man Utd squad: Roy Keane, Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt, Ronny Johnsen, Paul Scholes, Denis Irwin, David May, Louis Saha, Rio Ferdinand, Quinton Fortune, Andy Cole, Michael Clegg, Mikael Silvestre, Kevin Pilkington, Dion Dublin, Gary Neville, Alan Smith.
Celtic/Republic of Ireland squad: David Forde, Stephen Carr, Kevin Kilbane, Richard Dunne, Kenny Cunningham, Keith Andrews, Kevin Doyle, Stephen McPhail, Andy Reid, Robbie Keane, Damien Duff, Lee Carsley, Colin Healy, Shaun Maloney, Paul Lambert, John Hartson, Neil Lennon, Stylian Petrov, Shane Supple.
Proceeds from the Liam Miller tribute match will be used to help Liam’s wife Clare and their three children, with Marymount Hospice among the charities benefiting from the day.
The benefit match is the brainchild of number of key figures from the world of business and sport, including chairman of the organising committee, Michael O’Flynn, who is a neighbour of the Miller family. Former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson, Roy Keane, Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill, ex-Ireland captain John O’Shea, Graham Barrett, Ciaran Medlar, Off The Ball's Ger Gilroy, Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell, Manchester United chief executive Ed Woodward, Denis O’Brien and Dermot Desmond were among the others to contribute.
Roy Keane feels the occasion shows the esteem in which Miller is held in his home county of Cork and beyond.
"Cork’s a great sporting city and county, and this occasion gives people a chance for this county and the entire country to come and watch the game," said the former Manchester United and Ireland captain, who played with Miller for club and country.
"I know if I was a supporter I’d want to watch players like Denis Irwin and Giggsy. I think it’ll be a great atmosphere and occasion – and a great cause. Not just Liam’s family, but Marymount and other charities. There was a great response when the game went on sale at Turner’s Cross, the tickets were sold out in less than four minutes. Now hopefully there’s the same enthusiasm."
