Tardelli lines out for Prunty

MARCO TARDELLI will swap the Irish dugout for the red and black of Longford Town when he plays in this evening’s Sean Prunty Testimonial game at Flancare Park.

“When I was invited to attend Sean’s game I was delighted to help out in any way,” said the 54 year old World Cup winner and current Ireland assistant coach.

“Sean’s story is a very interesting one for any football person and I’m here to help out. The mind is definitely willing even if the legs don’t move as quickly as they once did. It should be a great bit of fun.”

Prunty was forced to retire in February this year due to a heart condition. At the age of just 27, the Ballinalee native was told he could no longer participate in a football match of any kind. He has since returned to study at Athlone IT and is looking forward to saying thank you this evening to all of the Longford Town fans who supported him through the years.

“I’m really excited about this,” said Prunty. “To have some stars like Marco Tardelli and Swedish 2002 World Cup veteran Johan Mjallby involved is great but it’s more about everybody coming back together and having a great night. The support I’ve had from people in the game in the build-up to this match has been brilliant and I’m sure it’ll be an occasion to remember.”

In tonight’s game, Longford Town will play a Longford Legends select co-managed by Stephen Kenny and Alan Mathews. Tickets are priced at adults €20 and children €7 and are available through Ticketmaster or at the ground. Kick-off is at 6.45.