BLACKBURN Rovers star Ashley Ward met his namesake when Ward No 9 went to Ward No 9 - and joined his teammates for an important home fixture at Blackburn Royal Infirmary!

Other players including Lee Carsley, Nathan Blake, boss Tony Parkes and mascot Roar chatted to youngsters and staff during the visit, which also took in Ward 12. They also called in at Queen's Park Hospital.

"They signed autographs, delivered presents and chatted to the children. They all really appreciated it," said sister Sharon Gardner from Ward 9 at BRI.

And the youngsters are now set to star at Ewood Park themselves.

The players' visit was filmed and is planned to be shown at half time on the big screen during the Boxing Day game against Nottingham Forest.

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