FORMER Burnley and Blackburn star John Connelly spoke of his delight that his part in England's 1966 World Cup triumph will finally be rewarded with a winners medal.

The flying winger - who landed 20 international caps and scored seven goals - was one of the 11 reserves who did not play in the historic 4-2 victory over West Germany at Wembley.

And disappointingly, Connelly, along with those who also failed to make Sir Alf Ramsey's starting line-up in the final, including Jimmy Greaves, Norman Hunter and Peter Bonetti, were not handed medals.

However, FIFA president Sepp Blatter announced at the World Cup 2010 draw in South Africa that non-playing members of World Cup-winning squads between 1930 and 1974 would now be rewarded.

The move has been warmly greeted by Connelly, a Turf Moor great who made 265 appearances and scored 105 goals for the Clarets in the 1960's.

"It's wonderful news. It's lovely that something like this is finally going to happen," said the 69-year-old, who also played for Manchester United and Blackburn in a distinguished career.

"Over the years, there's been a lot of speculation and rumour that we might be given medals.

"Not having a winners medal was one of the real disappointments of my career.

"Even though I was part of the World Cup winning team, not having a medal put a real downer on it.

"There was nothing to really show for it. Only the 11 that played in the final got theirs.

"But I really feel on a high after hearing this. And all my family are pleased as punch. It just makes me feel that little bit better."

Connelly played in England's opening group match in 1966, a 0-0 draw against Uruguay, but was then omitted as Ramsey made changes.

To his huge frustration, the St Helens-born wideman was not selected again, as England's Wingless Wonders' conquered all before them on home soil.

Despite only featuring once, Connelly believes he deserves a winning medal, along with the rest of the squad that contributed to a fantastic team spirit.

"It was such a wonderful team spirit at England," he added. "My problem was that I played in the wrong game, the first match rather than the final.

"But people have always asked me, Where do you keep your medal?' and they're often amazed when I tell them that I never got one.

"I know over the years, a lot of people have been pushing hard for this and all that hard work has finally come off. It is better late than never.

"It's funny, the 1966 squad was invited to Munich last year at the World Cup in Germany - to commemorate our 40th anniversary.

"We were at a presentation and Sepp Blatter was chatting to me and Jackie Charlton.

"At the time, Jackie nudged me and said Why don't you ask him about getting a medal for 66?' I did not think about it at the time!"

Connelly believes the icing on the cake would be if England's 1966 reserves were presented with their medals at the new Wembley stadium.

He added: "That would be wonderful. It would really would be nice to go to the new stadium.

"It would feel quite appropriate too. And I promise if it happened, I won't do a jig like Nobby Stiles!"