Two of Europe’s greatest midfielders of the modern era will come face-to-face at the Riverside on May 18. Spanish superstar Gaizka Mendieta has agreed to join his fellow Boro legend Bryan Robson in a very special charity match organised by Fr Paul Farrer and pals in aid of Teesside Hospice. Former Boro boss Robson and Mendieta, who once cost Lazio £28.9m when moving from Valencia, will be player-managers of the 11-a-side charity match.

The game kicks off on the Riverside Stadium pitch at 6pm on Monday May 18 – and football fans can live the dream by taking part! Supporters who make the highest bids to Teesside Hospice by a midday deadline on Tuesday May 5 can enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Winning bidders will change in the Riverside dressing rooms, have a pre-match teamtalk from Robson or Mendieta, run on to the pitch to Boro’s Pigbag theme tune and take part in the match alongside the midfield legends.

Ex-World Cup referee George Courtney will be in charge of the game, while teams and goalscorers will be announced over the stadium PA system and electronic scoreboards.

Spectators including friends and family will be welcome to attend for a donation to Teesside Hospice. Teesside Hospice are grateful to MSV Sport for generously agreeing to supply all kit for the game.

All funds raised will go towards Teesside Hospice’s annual running costs of £1.9m, of which only about a third are covered by the NHS.

Details can be found at www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/TeessideHospiceDetail/0,,1~1587640,00.html