Nigel Callaghan believes you will not find a better line-up for a legends game anywhere in the country when Watford take on Derby County in his benefit match on Sunday.

Callaghan was diagnosed with bowel cancer in November and has been unable to work for most of this year due to a six-month course of chemotherapy, which finished this week.

‘Cally’s’ old Watford manager and former England boss Graham Taylor will lead a Hornets team, which will include legends such as John Barnes, Luther Blissett and Nigel Gibbs.

The Derby side, who will be managed by Roy McFarland, will see the likes of Peter Shilton, Dean Sturridge and Dean Saunders return to Pride Park, with County legend Igor Stimac flying in from Croatia especially for the game.

“If you look at the list of players on both sides, you will struggle to get a better list of players than that for a legends game anywhere in the country at the moment,” Callaghan said.

“This will be a more competitive game than people think it will be. There are some players there who are still match fit and I think both managers are going to want to win the game.

“This will not be just any old benefit game, there will be a lot of pride there and some competitive tackles going in.”

Watford Former Players Association have arranged a joint players and supporters coach for Sunday’s match at Derby’s ground but those hoping to attend needed to have booked by Wednesday.

Tickets are available on the day though, at £10 for adults and £5 for concessions.

Money raised will not only go to Callaghan himself, but the Booby Moore Fund and there will also be a collection for the Lewis Mighty Fund.

Derby players expected to be involved: Peter Shilton, Paul Blades, Dick Pratley, Ross McLaren, Micky Forsyth, Gary Micklewhite, George Williams, Andy Garner, Phil Gee, Bobby Davison, Dean Saunders, Mark Wright, Igor Stimac, Mark Lillis, Dean Sturridge, Mick Harford, Shane Nicholson, Darren Wassell, Martin Taylor, Micky Lewis, Steve Cross.

Watford players expected to be involved: Kenny Jackett, Paul Devlin, Bruce Dyer, Craig Ramage, Andy Hessenthaler, Luther Blissett, John Barnes, Nick Wright, Dean Holdsworth, Tommy Mooney, Marcus Gayle, Alan Smart, Steve Terry, John McClelland, Nigel Gibbs, Steve Palmer, Alan Paris, Derek Payne, Mick Henderson, Iwan Roberts, Lloyd Scott, Paul Atkinson, David Byrne, Worrell Sterling, Dave Johnson, Charlie Palmer, Dennis Elliott, Francis Cassidy, Neil Price.