GREENOCK actor Martin Compston will take on a new role at Soccer Aid this year as he joins the World XI coaching team.

The 38-year-old has taken part in the fundraising event on several occasions since 2018.

Created by Robbie Williams in 2006, Soccer Aid sees England take on the World XI once a year to raise money for UNICEF.

This year, Compston and Robbie Keane will lead the international squad, which is already littered with big names – with more still to be announced.

 

His side will feature Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt - who will captain the World XI – Roberto Carlos, and Nani.

They’ll be joined by Lee Mack, Steven Bartlett, comedian Mo Gilligan, Love Island’s Tommy Fury, and TikTok star Noah Beck.

The pressure is on Compston and Keane to continue the World XI's winning run, after the side took the title at the last four Soccer Aid meetings. 

In a tweet, the former Morton player said: "Buzzing to be back at Soccer Aid with a bag of cones and a whistle as part of the coaching staff!

Greenock Telegraph: The World XI won the 2022 eventThe World XI won the 2022 event (Image: PA)

"Was able to see first hand recently the difference this incredible game makes to children’s lives, hopefully we can make it another record breaker."

England’s squad features a number of former international players, as well as other sporting stars and household names.

Jermain Defoe, Gary Neville, Jill Scott, and Paul Scholes will be joined by the likes of Paddy McGuinness, Sir Mo Farah, and Alex Brooker.

Singer Tom Grennan, DJ Joel Corry, and former One Direction member Liam Payne will also join the English squad on the night.

They will be managed by Chelsea Women boss Emma Hayes, Harry Redknapp, and Compston’s fellow Line of Duty star Vicky McClure.

Soccer Aid will be held at Old Trafford on Sunday, June 11 and will be broadcast live on STV.