A TEAM of celebrities was set to compete in a charity football match back in 2003 to help send a local youngster to Florida.

It was the dream of 13-year-old Paul Doyle, suffering with severe Autism and learning difficulties, to go to the USA to swim with dolphins, costing around £1,400 and the game at Arthurlie’s ground, Dunterlie Park, was to help raise funds.

The match would see BBC football pundit Chic Young’s Dukla Phumperston team take on Barrhead St Mary’s Celtic Supporters Club. Stars set to feature were former Rangers ace Mark Hateley, and other ex-SPL fotballers Tony Higgins and Chic Charnley.

An invitation was also given to Rangers manager Alex McLeish, to play back in his home town as captain of St Mary’s. Presenting the trophy to the eventual winners were four of Celtic’s Lisbon Lions, including Charlie Gallagher, John ‘Yogi’ Hughes, Berti Auld and Willie O’Neil.