Celtic enlist stars to raise money for famine aid

The forthcoming Legends match against Manchester United will be used to raise money for Oxfam's appeal.

Fans will be able to donate via phone and online as the game is shown live on TV on 9 August.

Football and entertainment stars, including comedian Billy Connolly, the patron of the Celtic Foundation, will also be collecting cash from supporters at Celtic Park.

The United Nations said this week that tens of thousands of Somalis are feared dead after being struck by the world's worst famine in 20 years.

The Legends match will see previous heroes of both clubs participating, including Henrik Larsson, Chris Sutton, Roy Keane, Martin O'Neill, Dwight Yorke and Teddy Sheringham.

Wayne Rooney, Rod Stewart, Eddie Jordan, Sharleen Spiteri, Dougray Scott and Paolo Nutini have all signed up to lend their support to the appeal.

Celtic manager Neil Lennon said: "This is a great cause and one we should all support.

"The charitable spirit and generosity of our supporters is well known and we're sure our fans will once again lend their backing to support the many thousands of people in Africa who need our help.

"The images from Africa which we are seeing daily are heart-breaking and this is a cause everyone at the club is fully behind."

Peter Lawwell, chief executive of the club, said: "Celtic's charitable ethos is well known and we are delighted to be staging this event as we aim to support people who are in real need at this time.

"Celtic was formed by children of the Great Famine who fled Ireland due to the devastation there.

"It is therefore very appropriate that we choose to assist the victims of this modern-day tragedy."