Former players returning to Carlisle United's Brunton Park to pay tribute to Tony Hopper this weekend say they didn't need to be asked twice.

A host of ex-Carlisle and Workington Reds favourites are set to play in a major charity game in honour of former midfielder Hopper as he battles motor neurone disease.

Sunday's game (2.30pm kick-off) will involve some of the most iconic names from the last 20 years of Cumbrian football.

It is hoped the occasion will raise much-needed funds for the Motor Neurone Disease association as well as three other charities.

Organisers also hope the unique event will provide a special memory for 40-year-old Hopper and his family.

And those taking part said getting their boots back on for their former team-mate is the least they can do.

Former left-back Paul Boertien, who came through United's youth ranks and then played in the Carlisle first-team with Hopper, said: "It will be brilliant to do something for Tony and in such a good cause.

"Hopefully a lot of fans will turn out, raise a lot of money and awareness for MND, but also it will just be nice for Tony to see a lot of people he's played with in the past.

"There are so many coming, lots of old friends and team-mates he might not have seen or been in touch with for a while.

"What you find with this game is that people want to play, and they want to play for Tony.

"It shows what a popular player and lad he was. I don't think anyone who has been asked will have said no.

"I'm really looking forward to it. I've got myself some new boots - my old ones have split! - and I'm ready to go."

Many of Hopper's fellow home-grown Blues players are set to join the large number of ex-players at United's ground, including Rory Delap, Matt Jansen, Paul Murray, Scott Dobie, Lee Peacock, Jeff Thorpe, Richard Prokas and Tony Caig.

Other popular former team-mates set to return include Stephane Pounewatchy, Dean Walling, Rod Thomas, Steve Hayward, Paul Proudlock, Steve Soley, Matty Glennon and Andy Watson.

Former cult hero defender Richard Keogh is also heading back to United to take part in the game, with Chris Lumsdon, Peter Murphy, Chris Billy and Simon Hackney among other recent favourites.

George McVitie and Steve Hoolickin - 68 and 66 respectively - are also set for cameo appearances, while United physio Neil Dalton is also set to play.

The Workington line-up, meanwhile, will include former Premier League striker Grant Holt along with Adam Collin, Gavin Skelton, Mark Boyd, Will Varty, Graham Anthony, Kyle May, Graham Goulding, Barry Irving, Stuart Williamson, Robert Ennis, Matt Henney, Alan Gray and Jonny Wright among a host of other former Reds favourites.

The Carlisle team will be managed by Mick Wadsworth and Ian Atkins, with Darren Edmondson and Dave Hewson taking charge of the Reds line-up.

More than 1,000 tickets have already been sold and organisers are hoping many more will pay on the day, with entry £5.

All proceeds will be shared by the MND Association, Carlisle United Community Sports Trust, Great North Air Ambulance and Jigsaw Hospice.

Colin Carter, who is helping organise the event along with Ian Milburn and Derek Walsh, said: "It's a cheap family day out and it's all for a very good cause - as well as making some real memories for Tony."

Tickets are available from United's ticket office, the Cumberland Building Society on Fisher Street in Carlisle, Hodgson's Newsagents on Lowther Street, McCall's Bakery on Upperby Road and YESSS Electrical on Currock Road.