Sunderland legend Jimmy Montgomery to attend minute's silence for Alder and Sweeney

Former Sunderland goalkeeper Jimmy Montgomery will represent his hometown club at a minute's silence in memory of the two Newcastle United supporters killed on flight MH17.

The Black Cats legend will be part of a tribute paid to Liam Sweeney and John Alder before the Magpies' Premier League curtain raiser at home to Champions Manchester City on August 17.

Alder, 63, and Sweeney, 28, were on their way to New Zealand to watch Newcastle play two friendlies when their plane was shot down by pro-Russian separatists over Ukraine.

"The whole of the North-East has united through football to remember Liam and John, who tragically lost their lives supporting their team and it is a huge honour to be part of such a fitting tribute to two loyal and passionate football fans," Montgomery is quoted as saying by the Sunderland Echo.

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has already dedicated their season to Alder and Sweeney.