A SPORTS pitch name after the late Celtic legend Billy McNeill has been unveiled at his former school. 

The Libson Lion captain's wife Liz McNeill was joined by pupils and teachers at Our Lady's High School in Motherwell to mark the opening of the Billy McNeill Sports Park. 

The park is a state-of-the-art 4G sports pitch at the grounds and aims to inspire young sportspeople by representing such a Scottish sporting icon. 

Celtic's Chief Executive Michael Nicholson said: “It is magnificent that Billy’s name will adorn this new pitch, acting I am sure as a huge inspiration to so many young people from different school and community teams, across a variety of sports.

“Billy will forever be regarded as an icon of sport, not just in Scotland, but globally, for all he achieved.

“While achieving such greatness, Billy also represented Celtic and Scotland with professionalism, dedication and humility.

“I am sure that Billy’s family will be very proud that through this new sporting facility named after him, these values will continue to live on as a true example to young people for generations to come.”

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The choice of Our Lady's is not only appropriate as Billy's former school, but the school attended by other accomplished footballers.

Manchester United great Sir Matt Busby, former Motherwell FC player Stephen Pearson and Arsenal fullback and former Celtic star Kieran Tierney all once walked the corridors.

Frank McNally, Convener of Education and Families with North Lanarkshire Council, also attended the opening.

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Frank said: “We are all delighted to see this first-class pitch now open and being used by our school pupils and the local community.

"The building was initially delayed during the Covid-19 pandemic and we are very grateful to the McNeill family for being here to help with its official launch.

“The term legend really does apply to Billy McNeill; he was an inspirational figure and an all-time footballing great.

"Billy was proud of his North Lanarkshire roots and hopefully this park will help produce more great sportsmen and women for us to be proud of.”