Brendan Rodgers' first match back at Celtic Park will help to raise money for two charities.

The Hoops will face Spanish side Athletic Club on Tuesday, August 1, in James Forrest's testimonial game, and fans will get to pay homage to their longest-serving player.

And in honour of this milestone, the winger has chosen two charities close to his heart to benefit from the event.

Money will go to the club's own charity, Celtic FC Foundation, and Kilbryde Hospice, an East Kilbride-based organisation which provides palliative care and support to patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

Celtic has worked with the charity before, collaborating to raise funds through fundraisers and events such as An Evening with Brendan Rodgers in 2017 and Scott Brown’s testimonial game the following year.

The late Lisbon Lion, Bertie Auld, was also an ambassador of the charity and he regularly spent time with patients and their families.

Lesley Wiggins, fundraising and commercial manager at Kilbryde Hospice, said: “We are truly grateful to Celtic Football Club, James Forrest and the testimonial committee for choosing Kilbryde as a beneficiary of this amazing event. 

“The rising cost of living has led to the hospice being called on to raise more money than ever before, to continue to provide care and support services to terminally ill patients and their families.”

Glasgow Times:

Meanwhile, the Celtic FC Foundation aims to continue the charitable message of the club's founder Brother Walfrid and create opportunities for vulnerable people by hosting fundraising events and initiatives both at home and on an international scale.

Since it was founded, the charity has over £32 million. 

The Foundation's chief executive Tony Hamilton said: “We are exceptionally grateful to James for making such a significant contribution towards the Foundation.

“James exemplifies everything that is good about our football club.

"He’s a one-club man and has been an exceptional talent, and all of us wish him well for this very special match against Athletic Club.”

Celtic v Athletic Club kicks off at 7.30pm on Tuesday, August 1.