Geoff Horsfield asking West Brom and Birmingham City fans to bring toiletries to St Andrew's

The 44-year-old is staging a bucket collection to raise money for the Geoff Horsfield Foundation outside the ground before kick off.

But there will also be bins dotted around for toiletries such as toothpaste, deodorant and facial wipes, which Horsfield will then give to the homeless.

Horsfield has close ties to both clubs, having reached the League Cup final with Birmingham City and helped Albion pull off the Great Escape in 2005.

Since retiring from football, he has set up a charity designed to support homeless people in Birmingham by providing secure accommodation.

In July, the Geoff Horsfield Foundation became Birmingham City’s official charity partner and Blues have given him the green light to stage a collection before Friday’s match.

Earlier this week, Blues captain Michael Morrison and under-23s player Josh Andrews helped Horsfield serve food to the homeless in the city centre.

Explaining why he set up the charity, Horsfield said: "Our aim is to provide them with accommodation and help to get access to the medication, benefits, training and other support that can help turn their lives around.

"Ultimately, we want to help people live independently in their own flats and get jobs.

"So they can support themselves and break away from the tough situations they have been in.”