A CLARETS legend has donated his Golden Boot to be sold at auction in aid of the paralysed son of a former Burnley FC player.

Andy Payton has dusted-off the prestigious Second Division Golden Boot award he won in 2000 after 27 goals in all competitions for the club to help 22-year-old Johnny Brennan.

Johnny, of Beverley Road, Blacko, has been recovering in the spinal injuries unit at Southport Hospital since March last year.

He suffered serious head and spinal injuries when the car in which he was travelling flipped and rolled over by Junction 11 of the M65. He is now paralysed from the chest down.

Andy, known to fans as The Padiham Predator, said he was approached by the Ex-Clarets in Sport Group to donate an item of memorabilia to help Johnny's cause.

The 38-year-old, who still lives in Burnley, said: "I said I would donate my Golden Boot and the Ex-Clarets seemed a bit taken back by the gesture but I've never been one to keep trophies and pictures of myself all over the home.

"I've had it on my mantle piece but it's the memories that are important."

The former Gawthorpe High School pupil is hoping it will fetch a significant sum to help adapt Johnny's home to make it wheelchair friendly.

The retired striker added: "I remember watching Johnny's dad when I was very young when I started going to the Turf so when I heard about what had happened I wanted to be able to help.

"What this lad has gone through is beyond belief really so if it goes towards helping adapt his home to make life better for him then it's worth it."

He is hoping Burnley FC will buy it to help preserve the club's history.

Johnny was a promising footballer who had trials for Burnley before the accident.

His parents Ian who played for the Clarets in the 1970s and Jean have visited the hospital every day. Former Liverpool, Celtic and Scotland legend Kenny Dalglish has also been at his bedside.

Ian said: "Johnny has been quite poorly because of bladder stone problems.

"He is behind with his rehab but he's been coming home most weekends.

"It could be months before he is allowed home for good.

"His friends have been fantastic as have the people who started raising money for Johnny.

"The Golden Boot donation is fantastic. We are very grateful to Andy for being so generous."

The auction is being held on Friday, February 24, at Burnley FC from 7.30pm.

Lifelong Burnley supporter Alastair Campbell has donated a commemorative All Blacks rugby shirt to be sold on the night.

Entertainment will be by comedian Mick Miller and guest speaker Paul Fletcher. Tickets are £25 each.

Telephone bids will be accepted for anyone not able to make it on the night by contacting Veronica on 07974 310099.