'Use your influence', Scotland footballers told

Jason Leitch, the Scottish Government’s national clinical director, wants players to use social media to spread the message to their followers that it is vital people stay at home to tackle the spread of the killer virus.

Celtic skipper Scott Brown and Rangers boss Steven Gerrard are among those who have taken to sites like Twitter and Instagram to plead with fans to stay indoors.

Now Leitch has made a direct appeal to the country’s football stars asking them to keep up the good work.

He said in a video posted on the Scottish Football Association’s Twitter account: “Many of you have large followings.

“You are influencers – way more influential than the likes of me – so I need you to take that message out to those who will listen to you.

“We can’t have gatherings in the park, we can’t have kids meeting in folks’ houses because the virus will spread and people will lose their lives.

“We’re not messing around any more so we really need you to take that very, very seriously.

“We’ll come out the other end of this but I really need you to take this message and take it to everybody, both those people you care about as individuals and also those you influence around the country.”

Leitch also says the country’s clubs have an important role to play while Scotland battles the pandemic threat.

“It’s similar for the clubs,” he added.

“Clubs have to be really responsible. You have got a big influence, you’ve got big fan bases.

“Football clubs around the country step up to whatever it is we ask them to do.

“Well there is no greater time than now to do that.

“It might be about helping your local community, particularly with the vulnerable who need deliveries.

“They may need help with food and medicine, they may need help with travel getting to the hospital, stuff like that.

“Just ask around your local community how you can help.

“The Government and I, as well as those who are leading the health service, we’re all enormously grateful for anything you can do.”

Latics No.1 Marshall remains first choice for the Scotland national side, with ex-DW Stadium loanee Charlie Mulgrew - who has since returned to Blackburn - also in the set-up.