SAINTS players are hoping fans will take the shirts off their backs today as they bid to raise cash to help this year's Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

George Burley's men are playing at Sunderland's Stadium of Light and the whole team will have commemorative poppies embroidered on their shirts.

After the game the special yellow away kits will be auctioned, with the proceeds going towards the charity for ex-servicemen and their families.

The club is hoping for bumper bids from collectors, as this is the only chance for fans to get their hands on the yellow third strip worn by the team this year.

Last year, Saints was by far the most successful of the clubs that participated in the Poppy Appeal with commemorative shirts, raising £8,000 for the Legion.

The biggest seller from last season was Theo Walcott's shirt, which fetched £1,251, but with a number of high-profile signings over the past 12 months the club is hopeful of beating that amount this time around.

Saints manager George Burley said: "The Poppy Appeal is one of the most worthwhile and moving causes of the year and we are delighted to be able to help out like this.

"I hope fans bid generously for these keepsakes."

The auction opens at 10am on Monday and will close at 6pm the following Monday.

All shirts will be signed, and left unwashed to show they are authentic.