SOCCER-mad TV star Ralf Little is hoping to impress a former England boss to get the chance to play against some of his past footballing idols.

The former Bolton School pupil has been selected to appear on a new reality TV show called The Match that could see him pitting his skills against ex-pros like Bryan Robson, Paul Gascoigne and Matthew Le Tissier.

The Royle Family actor will spend seven days in Newcastle United's high-tech football academy, along with fellow celebrities, praying that his silky skills will be enough to persuade supremo Graham Taylor to give him a place in the team.

The week-long show hits the screens of Sky One in October with celebrities up for Big Brother-style evictions when under-performing players go before the public vote.

Former England manager Taylor will put a squad of about 20 celebrities through their paces to pick out a squad of 15 who will face the former professionals at Newcastle's St James's Park at the end of the week.

The Legends team will be managed by Sir Bobby Robson and is bursting with talented former professionals including Rob Lee, TV pundit Mark Lawrenson and Peter Beardsley.

Joining Ralf in the celebrity team will be Gary Lucy (Footballers Wives), singer Simon Webbe (Blue), Calum Best (Son of George Best), Ben Shepherd (GMTV), Jonathan Wilkes (You've Been Framed), Lee Latchford Evans (Steps) and MC Harvey.

Former Manchester United and Australian international goalkeeper Mark Bosnich will play in goal for the celebrities.

Hosted by Ulrika Jonsson and Mark Durden-Smith, the show's cameras will capture the agony and the ecstasy as the celebs bid for a place in the team. Ralf has admitted in the past that he would drop acting to pursue a career as a footballer.

Along with the smash TV hit The Royle Family, Ralf has appeared in Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps and Paradise Heights.

The Match will also help raise money for a selection of Sky One's chosen charities.

A Sky One spokesman said: "It's a fantastic opportunity for these guys to play against their idols. The celebrities are all very good players in their own right, but they are up against some fantastic names. It'll be tough for them but it looks set to be a very entertaining week."