Former Carlisle United midfielder Joe Thompson is to be honoured with the prestigious Sir Tom Finney Award at the 2019 EFL Awards.

Thompson, who made 17 appearances for the Blues, scoring once, will get the accolade 12 years after being named the EFL Apprentice of the Year in 2006/07 as a youngster.

The 30-year-old made more than 250 appearances in a 13-year career, of which nearly 200 came for Rochdale, and proved to be an inspiration to a much wider audience than just simply football after bravely battling, and overcoming, cancer on two occasions before retiring in February.

The Sir Tom Finney Award is presented to a player who has had an outstanding career and contributed an exceptional amount to the EFL and football in general, something that Thompson can certainly lay claim to doing. The Award, renamed in honour of the Preston and England legend after his death in 2014, will recognises Thompson’s talent, commitment and model professionalism throughout his career, as well as his inspirational story, which has been exemplary to all those involved within the sport.

"For me to win this award is massive, it is," Thompson, who will collect the award on Sunday, told BBC Radio Manchester.

"And I know all my family are super proud. Things within football that I've achieved have been brilliant and I would have loved to have achieved more.

"But when you get the whole picture, I'd rather be known as a good person than a good footballer."

As well as Rochdale and Carlisle, Thompson counts Tranmere, Bury, Wrexham and Southport among his former clubs.

Now he has retired, Thompson plans to become a motivational speaker and mentor, as well work in media.