Merson was part of the Arsenal team which won the First Division championship in both 1988/89 and 1990/91 seasons as well as the 1993 FA Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup in 1994.

The former England midfielder, who won 21 caps for his country, hung up his boots after spells at Middlesbrough, Aston Villa and Walsall and is now a Sky Sports pundit and Daily Star columnist.

But the 49-year-old is coming out of retirement to play for Caerau, the club’s secretary Dai Hooper has confirmed.

Caerau have received all the required paperwork which will make Merson available for the home match against Pontyclun on October 18.

Hooper hopes the presence of Merson, whom he got to know after they met at a function, can help raise the profile of the Welsh League Division Three outfit.

"The international clearance has just come through this morning," Hooper told Press Association Sport.

"I tried to text Paul this morning, but he was busy at work. I have spoken to him and he is over the moon.

"Paul said he is having a little run out in a friendly game for someone to get himself a bit of fitness and is really looking forward to it."

Hooper added: "We are a very small club moving forward, but we have got some marvellous things happening.

"Our chairman Steve Williams has been really working hard to raise funds for a new 4G pitch, stand and academy for the kids.

“So I am hopeful with the help of people like Paul, we can raise the profile a lot."