One of Burnley's most prolific goal-scorers ever is set to pull on his boots again to take part in a charity five-a-side tournament.

Andy Payton - dubbed the Padiham Predator during his Clarets days in the 1990s - said that the last time he played football was when he helped out his daughter's Under-10 Burnley Girls' team!

But this summer he is in the Charity Football Legends Tournament at Blackburn's JJB Soccer-dome for business C2-UK Communications Limited.

The Lancashire Telegraph columnist's team could end up lining up against an all-star side featuring soccer legends including Ian Rush, John Barnes, Bruce Grobbelaar and Jan Molby.

Payton was released from Turf Moor as a youngster during the John Bond era, but went on to star for Hull City, Middlesbrough, Celtic and Barnsley before returning to Burnley.

He said: "I haven't played properly in a while, but I'm sure this'll be a good chance to relive former glories.

"The only real involvement I've had with football recently is to help out at Burnley Girls' Under 10s, where my daughter plays, and I'm just looking forward to having a game."

Payton will captain the team in the World Cup-style competition, which has group and knockout stages.

Event organiser Gavin Roper said: "I can remember shouting his name from the terraces and for a non-celebrity team to have him playing is great for the competition and for players taking part.

"It's going to be great as each team is allowed one star player in their team up until the grand final, and there will be awards such as the Golden Boot and Player of the Tournament."

Padiham-based C2-UK Communications Limited, who finished bottom in the tournament last year, also snapped up ex-Bury striker Gareth Seddon, and now think they can win the competition.

If they do win, the prize money will be donated to the Macmillan Cancer Support charity.

Paul Howland, director of C2-UK, said: "To get both players to agree to play is phenomenal. We've got plenty of practice matches in this time and we're very hopeful."

The event takes place on May 9 and will be followed by an awards dinner when former Southampton and England ace Matt Le Tissier will give out awards.

There will also be a sporting memorabilia auction for the winning team's nominated charity.

The evening will finish with comedy from the seasoned entertainer Mike Farrell.

  • If you are interested in joining the competition, contact Gavin Roper on 07720 710325 or at gavin@ukcelebrityevents.co.uk. Spectator's tickets cost £50.