The Bolton-based official, a regular in the Barclays Premier League until his illness was diagnosed, is to take charge of a reserve match between Leicester and Scunthorpe at Hinckley.

Halsey has been given the all-clear to return to the game after passing a rigorous referee fitness test.

He has been getting back in shape by training with Bolton at their base on the outskirts of Chorley.

It has been a difficult time for the family as Halsey's wife Michelle has been recovering from leukaemia.

Halsey. who was diagnosed with the disease the day before the season started, told ITV's Granada Reports one of the first messages of support came from Chelsea captain John Terry.

Halsey said: "When I found out I had cancer, I did not think I would be back refereeing. I thought that was it. I thought my career was over.

"But here I am. Hopefully I can run out on the pitch and get all the abuse I am used to.

"The chemotherapy hit me hard, it really did. I was quite ill. My throat was very sore but it is just getting back to normal. I've got no taste, though, but hopefully that will come back in time.

"I want to show people who suffer from cancer we can all beat this disease. It's for them. That's why I want to get back on the pitch."