Murray, Steve (1980’s)

and the club's midfield player Jamie Dolan were not disclosed, but it is understood that he will receive a six-figure sum.

Former Celtic players Billy McNeill and Bobby Lennox were at court to give evidence on Mr Murray's behalf.

The Court of Session action by 25-year-old Mr Murray, of Brewlands Drive, Symington, Ayrshire, is the third in which a Scottish footballer has sued an opponent over a tackle.

Earlier this year, Rangers and Scotland midfield player Ian Durrant settled a #2m action against Aberdeen and the club's former player Neil Simpson following an incident in a game at Pitoddrie in October 1988. In 1983, former Dunfermline player Jim Brown settled a damages action against John Pelosi after a two-footed tackled by Pelosi in a Dunfermline v St Johnstone match.

After yesterday's settlement, Mr Murray, who is married with an 18-month-old daughter, said the last five years had been ''terrible, murder''.

He had undergone one operation after another and he was due to have surgery again before Christmas. Mr Murray, who still wears a leg brace, and is unemployed, added: ''I can walk about, but anything that involves twisting or turning I cannot do. I am very happy with the settlement and I can now plan for the rest of my life.''

His lawyer, Mr Alistair Duff, paid tribute to Mr Murray, saying: ''He has never given up. He is a fighter.

''Mr Duff believes there is a growing awareness in the game that players who suffer injury from a bad tackle do not have to accept it. They know they are entitled to some form of legal redress, and are now seeking legal advice.''

Mr Murray's case was due to go before Lord Abernethy and a jury when the settlement was announced.

He claimed that during a Motherwell v Celtic reserve game on September 7, 1988, he had just passed the ball when he was tackled by Mr Dolan, who lunged at him with his foot up and studs showing.

He was struck on the right leg, just above the knee, and suffered serious damage to nerves, tendons, and ligaments.

Mr Murray, who joined Celtic from Nottingham Forest for #50,000, represented Scotland at under-15, under-16, and under-20 level. When he was injured he was on the verge of breaking through into the Celtic first team.

In their defences to the action, Motherwell and Mr Dolan maintained that both players had gone for the ball at the same time. Both denied that it had been a late, high tackle and claimed that Motherwell had been awarded a free kick after the incident.

All Scottish league clubs contribute to an insurance policy which covers pay-outs to players injured in cases where negligence is alleged.