Last updated on .From the section Football

Merson played for England in the Star Sixes in July this year

Former England and Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson is set to make a comeback with Welsh fourth-tier team Caerau.

The Maesteg club are awaiting international clearance for the 49-year-old to appear against Pontyclun on Wednesday, 18 October.

Caerau secretary Dai Hooper got to know Merson at a function several years ago.

"I texted him last week about the rearranged fixture with Pontyclun and he said 'I can make that'," Hooper told BBC Radio Wales' Jason Mohammad show.

"So we're hoping now that the international clearance goes through because obviously he played in England."

Merson scored during an appearance for Mid Wales club Welshpool Town in 2012, six years after winding up his playing career while player-manager of Walsall.

In addition to a successful career with Arsenal, Merson also played with distinction for Middlesbrough and Aston Villa as well as on 21 occasions for England.

Hooper described Merson as "a superstar and a gentleman".

When he was asked about Merson's match fitness, Hooper said: "He's looking okay on the box (television)."

Caerau are 13th in the 16-team Welsh League Division Three after one win and four defeats in 2017-18, with Pontyclun two places above them.