FOR sale: One pair of football boots, worn several times, one tongue missing, only £3,000.

The price tag may seem a bit over-the-top, but these boots are rather special.

They were worn by the legendary former PNE player Bill Shankly during the final days of his playing career at Liverpool, when he led the team to a series of domestic honours.

And although the boots, Gola size eight, may be a little shabby they are expected to fetch at least £3,000 at an auction of football memorabilia at Christie's tomorrow (Friday).

Shankly, after whom PNE have named their new Kop, left the boots at Anfield when he retired in 1974.

They were kept in the legendary Liverpool bootroom until an official gave them to an autograph-hunter waiting outside the ground.

For the past seven years the boots, embroidered with the letters WS, have been on display inside the Liverpool FC museum, and could go anywhere after tomorrow's auction.

Experts at Christie's believe there will be a fan somewhere who is prepared to pay the price.

A spokesman said: "Fans know the importance of these boots and we are sure someone will snap them up."

Along with Shankly's boots, fans have the chance to buy a cap worn by George Best.

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