Liverpool Football Club will host a special legends game at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Friday April 12 in aid of "SupportSeán", the Seán Cox appeal.

A squad of former Reds will line up against an Ireland XI team, with proceeds raised from the match donated to the Seán Cox Rehabilitation Trust.

Seán’s wife, Martina Cox, said: “Seán has been supporting Liverpool all of his life and to have this match in Dublin in his name will be a special day. It’s going to be a very long and slow process for Seán’s recovery and I’d like to thank the overwhelming support Liverpool fans have shown.

“I’d also like to thank the club, players and those former players who will be playing in the match for their continued support. We are also working with LFC on a number of other initiatives that will help to support Seán’s care in the years ahead.”

Earlier this season, during the Reds’ Premier League fixture against Cardiff City, the club and fans came together to show their support for the appeal with volunteers from LFC and Spirit of Shankly staging a bucket collection at Anfield which was match-funded by LFC Foundation, the club’s official charity, taking the overall total to £59k. The club and first-team players are also supporting the appeal privately.

Peter Moore, chief executive officer at LFC, said: “We’re all behind Seán and his family. We hope this unique legends game in Ireland’s capital will be a huge success and help generate vital funds to support Seán’s rehabilitation. The solidarity shown from supporters throughout the world for Seán is incredible and we thank everyone for their continued support, including the Football Association of Ireland and its CEO, John Delaney, in helping to arrange this game.”

Stephen Felle, chairman of the Seán Cox Rehabilitation Trust, added: “As well as being a fantastic event in honour of Seán Cox, it will be a special opportunity for Irish Liverpool fans, and Irish sports fans generally, to see a myriad of legends play in the Aviva Stadium. To coincide with the visit of LFC to Dublin, we are also planning a gala dinner in aid of the SupportSeán campaign in Dublin on the evening prior to the match.”

Reds fans can also support the appeal directly by visiting: www.gofundme.com/SupportSeanCox.