The English Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) today praised the actions of Niall Quinn and Gary Kelly in donating the proceeds of their testimonials to charity next month.
Sunderland striker Quinn and Leeds defender Kelly have agreed to give all the money raised by their benefit games to charity.
Kelly's Leeds side will play Scottish champions Celtic on May 8th, and Quinn's Sunderland will face the Republic of Ireland five days later.
Mick McGuire, assistant chief executive of the PFA, said: "These players are making a fantastic gesture. "Players on high salaries have been criticised in the past for cashing in with a testimonial, so we are delighted to see players like Niall and Gary give something back to the game.
"I think players like Niall and Gary appreciate the fact that they are in a privileged position, playing football and getting well paid to do so, and this is a fantastic gesture," he said.
"The money the players could make from these games would safeguard their future, so we take our hat off to them for giving it up and giving something back".
PA