Kevin Keegan and Ian Rush are set to appear at events at Carlisle’s Shepherd’s Inn.

Liverpool’s all-time leading scorer Rush will appear at the Carlisle venue next month, before Keegan stars at a sporting dinner on March 24.

Ian Milburn, of IM events, has organised the evening with former Newcastle United, Fulham, Manchester City and England boss Keegan.

Liverpool fan Milburn says he is looking forward to hearing tales from the 66-year-old’s playing and managerial career.

“The major event I have got coming up is [with] Kevin Keegan,” he said.

“He is a brilliant speaker. I have been a big Liverpool fan since I was a kid so I’m really looking forward to that.”

Milburn has organised a number of functions with sporting celebrities such as Paul Gascoigne, jockey Sir AP McCoy, former England cricket selector Geoff Miller, former boxing champion Ricky Hatton and ex-golfer Paul Broadhurst in recent years.

The former footballer, who has played for a number of Cumbrian teams, admits he is pleased to be able to give something back to the local community with about 300 people expected to attend his evening with Keegan.

“I have played for all the Saturday teams in the area. I even played last year on a Sunday,” he said. “I also ran the Harraby Catholic team so I know how difficult it is to raise funds.

“It is good I can put these events on.”

But, before then, the same venue is due to welcome former Wales international Rush on February 2 in an event that has been organised by 5Times, the official site of the Liverpool former players’ association.

Meanwhile, Brampton Golf Club are preparing to play host to former Carlisle United player Peter Beardsley on February 9 for their sporting dinner.

* This week Newcastle announced Beardsley has “taken a period of leave” while the club conducts an investigation into allegations of racism and bullying against the Under-23 coach.