Lowland League outfit Gala Fairydean Rovers wanted to play the 58-times capped midfield star in their East of Scotland Qualifying Cup tie against Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale on Wednesday evening.

But they were unable to get the required international clearance from the English FA in time for the kick off.

However, clearance was given on Thursday morning and his registration has now been approved by the Scottish FA.

Gala manager Steven Noble said:"John is already the club's ambassador of football and we have had a string of injuries recently.

"He agreed to help us out on the night but despite the best of efforts we could not get the clearance through on time.

"He is a busy man but he remains a Gala signed player and it would be brilliant if he could help us out later in the season if the need arises. I know he could still do a great job for us." Collins played a few games for Gala Rovers when they were an amateur side as a teenager but never played for the town's senior club at the time,Gala Fairydean, as he was quickly signed up by Hibs.

He went onto have a glorious career with Celtic, Monaco, Everton and Fulham who he last played for in 2003.

Collins was also a regular with Scotland, famously scoring in the opening game of the 1998 World Cup in France against Brazil.