THE heat is on for Sunderland footballers, both on the pitch and off it, in coming weeks.

As the Black Cats players fight to preserve the club’s Premier League status four of them are also preparing to compete in a unique cookery challenge, overseen by world renowned chef Marco Pierre White.

Team captain Lorik Cana, goalkeeper Craig Gordon and strikers Kenwyne Jones and Darren Bent will compete to be named the club’s top chef in a special event at the Stadium of Light.

The football stars will work under the critical gaze of the kitchen maestro, best known for his hit television show Hell’s Kitchen.

Each will have to prepare one dish of a lavish three course dinner, which will then be served to guests throughout the evening.

Other first team squad members will attend the event and are expected to join in the audience vote to determine which of their team-mates has displayed the best culinary skills.

Following the meal the celebrity chef will face his own grilling from the audience as he joins the four contestants for an interactive question and answer session, hosted by television sports presenter Angus Scott. Everyone attending will also have the opportunity to take part in a fund raising raffle and auction hosted by snooker legend Willie Thorne, with all proceeds going to the football club’s charity arm, the Sunderland AFC Foundation. Tickets for the night, dubbed Marco’s Black Cats Kitchen, cost £145, plus Vat, and include a champagne reception, the dinner and half a bottle of wine per person.

Further information is available via email, to events@safc.com, or by ringing 0871-911 1500.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available for the event, on Tuesday March 30, with further information available by ringing 0191-265 6111.