ARSENAL’S goalkeeping problems have been well publicised this season.

And it now seems they are signing a 68-year-old WGC grandad to cure their problems between the sticks – well, for at least one day anyway!

Unfortunately, unlike most stars, former Codicote FC star Roy Talbot is unlikely to see a six-figure wage for his efforts in the number 1 jersey at the Emirates Stadium.

But for Parkway resident Roy, it really won’t matter as he fulfils a lifetime ambition by playing in the one-off charity match today (Thursday).

The game (Arsenal home shirts vs Arsenal away shirts) has been organised by Football Aid, a diabetes charity, which offers every football fan their dream opportunity to walk through their team’s tunnel and play on the hallowed turf.

Every person registered with the charity has the chance to bid (normally around �500-�700 each) to be one of the 22 players to play in their position and Roy is lining up in his former Codicote position – in goal.

The father-of-two and grandfather-of-three told the WHT the occasion will be an even more special as his eldest grandchild, Daniel Gilmore, seven, will be leading the teams out as a mascot.

“This is going to be something quite special and I know from when I played at West Ham’s Upton Park and Leeds Untied’s Elland Road with Football Aid that you come away with something extremely memorable.

“It will be even better that Daniel is going to be there, it will be brilliant for him as well,” he said.

“No disrespect to the other two teams, but I think this game will be the best one. I’ve been to the Emirates before and it’s possibly the best ground in the country right now. So I’m really looking forward to it.”

Roy is not exactly the youngest goalkeeper of all time, but he added: “Although I’m 68, I don’t think age has much to do with it at all, I feel fine.

“I have recently completed a 186-mile coast-to-coast cycle from Cumbria to Newcastle and I stay pretty fit anyway, so it shouldn’t be too much of a problem I hope – especially since I am in goal!”