Dave Beasant, 55, named as Stevenage substitute

FORMER Wimbledon and Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Dave Beasant has been named as a substitute for League Two Stevenage at the age of 55.

Dave Beasant shouts to his team-mates during the Hibs v Chelsea friendly at Easter Road in August 1991. Picture: TSPL

Beasant - who also played over 130 times for Chelsea - last played professionally for Brighton and Hove Albion in 2003, but made a single appearance for North Greenford United in the Southern Football League in 2013.

If the ‘keeper makes an appearance for the Boro in their match against Carlisle United, he will surpass Neil McBain’s record as the oldest-ever professional footballer.

McBain was manager of New Brighton, and played in goal for the team in a match against Hartlepool in 1947 at the age of 51, due to a lengthy injury list.

Beasant, who won the FA Cup with Wimbledon in 1988, is currently goalkeeping coach at Broadhall Way, and is playing back up to regular Stevenage No 1 Chris Day in the match at Brunton Park.

The goalkeeper, who won two England caps, made his professional debut 35 years ago, in 1979.

Former Hibernian goalkeeper Tony Caig is on the bench for Carlisle, at the comparatively youthful age of 40.