New honour for Old Firm duo
FOOTBALL legends John Greig and Billy McNeill are to be honoured for their sporting careers.
Glasgow University will award honorary degrees to the former Old Firm stars this summer.
The university said Greig and McNeill were being recognised for both their "outstanding" footballing achievements and their roles as ambassadors for the sport.
Former Celtic skipper McNeill became the first Briton to lift the European Cup after Celtic's 1967 European triumph in Lisbon. He also led the club during their nine-in-arow period when they were at the pinnacle of world football.
Greig led Rangers to European glory when they won the European Cup Winners' Cup in Barcelona in 1972. He is the only player to have won three 'Treble' clean sweeps of League title, League Cup and Scottish Cup.
University of Glasgow Principal Sir Muir Russell said: "Glasgow's two internationally renowned football clubs make a hugely significant contribution to the sporting life and economy of the city and are very supportive of the university.
"As distinguished role models, John Greig and Billy McNeill personify the often unsung contribution the Old Firm clubs make to improving community relations in the city and in supporting many good and charitable causes."
Greig said: "It's a great honour to be recognised in this way. I left school at 15 and university always seemed out of my reach, so it's very exciting to receive this award."
McNeill added: "I have few regrets in life but one is that I never studied at university, so this means a lot to me. It is a magnificent gesture.
"John and I have been friends for a very long time and we're looking forward to the ceremony."
The pair will receive their Doctorate degrees on June 18.
(c) 2008 Express Newspapers
The Daily Express