Toffees up for Southern testimonial

Blackpool will play Everton in a testimonial match to mark Keith Southern's 10 years at the club.

Southern began his career at Goodison Park before joining the Seasiders in 2002, since when he has clocked up 298 appearances and scored 27 goals. Last season was a mixed one for the midfielder, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer in November but returned to play first-team football and help Ian Holloway's team reach the npower Championship play-off final at Wembley. Holloway paid tribute to Southern, telling the club's official website: "I'm so lucky to have a person like him at the club, he's invaluable. He's a fantastic professional, very quiet and unassuming and very rarely causes you a problem. "There's two things guaranteed in life. It'll be windy at Squires Gate and Keith Southern will be out training absolutely brilliantly. "What is amazing about him is that whatever level he is at, he keeps stepping up and raising the bar. He raises and raises his own game. He's awesome how consistent he is. That's down to him, his family who have brought him up, his wife and I can only thank him for the way he's played for this club."