CLAYTON Donaldson was in the Bolton changing room when Stephen Darby broke the news that he had motor neurone disease.

So, there will be an added poignancy to the occasion tomorrow for the City striker.

Donaldson was at Bolton last season with Darby and recalls the moment when the squad were left reeling by the horrific announcement.

He said: “It was devastating and I didn’t see it coming.

“We all knew he was going for tests but we didn’t think that would be the outcome.

“Once he broke the news to everyone about what he had been diagnosed with, we sort of knew what it was.

“But then we went home and looked it up and realised the seriousness of what he has. That made it 10 times worse.

“It’s heart-breaking for him and his family but he’s one of those guys that will just get on with things.

“He has been dealing with it terrifically and raising awareness as he has been is a good thing.

“For this game to be dedicated to him shows what kind of a player he was and what a guy he is off the field.”

Having scored in the pre-season opener at Guiseley last week, Manningham-born Donaldson is thrilled to be rubbing shoulders with some of the Premier League’s elite.

“It’s a great cause and it’s exciting for the players to be up against Liverpool, the champions of the Champions League,” he added.

“It will be a great test for us but at the same time, fitness is the real winner at this stage. Hopefully we get out the game with no injuries.”

Pre-season so far has included team-bonding sessions such as wrestling and a climbing day this week.

Donaldson laughed: “I’m not great with heights. I thought I was better until I had to go up some steep pole!”