FRESH from delivering yet another win in the Glasgow derby, Brendan Rodgers looked ahead to ‘A Match For Cancer’ this Saturday.

Sponsored by Dafabet and Laduma, the game kicks off at 2pm and will see Celtic legend, Stiliyan Petrov and Liverpool midfielder, James Milner pull together opposing squads from the worlds of football and entertainment.

Every penny raised will be devoted to tackling cancer through three equal beneficiary charities – Celtic FC Foundation, The Stiliyan Petrov Foundation and The James Milner Foundation.

Brendan will take charge of the Petrov squad on Saturday and he is looking forward to meeting up with his tenant… and UEFA Champions League final manager Jurgen Klopp, and is eagerly awaiting another great day at Celtic Park, with charity at its core.

The manager said: “My players have put so much work into the last few weeks and it was really pleasing that their determination and the intensity of their work delivered another great and well deserved win for us on Sunday in the derby.

“We performed exceptionally again to earn the three points, with some great football and a tremendous spirit.

“This weekend is a chance to give some of the players a little bit of a well-earned rest after a really hectic schedule, although so many players will be continuing to work hard for their countries and they will have other challenges ahead of them and we wish them all well over the next few days.

“The weekend also gives us the chance though to do something different and once again use football as the powerful force for good which we know it can be”.     

“I am sure that A Match For Cancer will be a great event.  Of course I look forward to seeing Jurgen again and we thank him for giving his time to be involved in the match and it will be a chance too for our supporters to see some wonderful names who have graced football over so many years such as Henrik, Robbie Keane, Artur Boruc, Owen Hargreaves, Jamie Redknapp and so many others. There really is a wonderful group of players who are contributing to the day.

“But most importantly this is a chance for us to make a difference to a great cause.”

He added: “We have a number of beneficiaries we are supporting, all of which do such brilliant work in tackling cancer and supporting so many people who have been affected by this terrible disease.  So much work goes on by so many in this area and I know how committed Stiliyan and James are to helping these great causes. 

“Stiliyan has come through his own battle so bravely over the last few years and the way he and James, through his own Foundation, are working to help others is an example to us all.

“Their passion for this cause is something which everyone involved in the match shares personally and we are delighted to be doing what we can to assist in this event which I know will ultimately deliver important help to children and adults affected by cancer.

“We look forward to seeing as many fans as possible at the match and we sincerely thank everyone attending the game for such brilliant support.”  

We have already sold around 20,000 tickets for this charity match, which is once again a fantastic response to this great cause. It  shows the huge level of commitment by so many people to the work of Stiliyan, James and our Foundation.  

Tickets will be on sale throughout today and right up until kick-off tomorrow and we would encourage any supporters who wish to attend to get hold of their tickets as soon as possible to enjoy a great day. Stiliyan, James, everyone at the Club and Celtic FC Foundation thank those in advance who have purchased tickets. Your supported is greatly appreciated.   

Tickets for A Match for Cancer are now on general sale, on a first come first served basis – maximum of 10 per person – priced at £14 for adults and £6 for concessions*. 

Tickets are available to purchase online at www.celticfc.net, by calling 0871 226 1888** or by visiting the Celtic Ticket Office. The lower tier will be on sale in the first instance and Rail Seating does not apply to this match.

Tickets purchased online must be either printed at home or collected from the ticket office.

Premium tickets (£30) and corporate packages (£135) are also available by calling 0871 226 1888** (Option 4) or emailing [email protected] 

Celtic FC Foundation will also be hosting a fundraising dinner – An Evening with Petrov and Milner – the night before the match, on Friday, September 7. This will take place in the Kerrydale Suite at Celtic Park.

Joining Stiliyan and James on the night will be a host of representatives from both charity match squads.

Tickets are priced at £700 for a table of 10 or £70 per person and can booked via email [email protected] or telephone 0141 551 4321.

Mirroring the match, net proceeds of the dinner will be devoted to tackling cancer through Celtic FC Foundation (SC024648), The Stiliyan Petrov Foundation (1154131) and The James Milner Foundation (1146768).

* Concessions 65+/Under-16s.

** Calls cost 13p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge. Booking fees apply online and via our sales line.