New BBC series will feature Rangers and Celtic legends

The three-part programme, Pitch Invasion: How the Scottish and Irish Changed Football, looks at the influence key players and managers from Scotland and Ireland have had on English football. 

Focusing on legends of Scotland as well as the Hoops and the Ibrox side, guests will discuss the impact of figures such as Martin O'Neill, Kenny Dalglish and Bill Shankly. 

Martin O'Neill (Image: Newsquest)

The programme will hone in on the Manchester United team built by Matt Busby in the 1960s after Munich, Liverpool’s success by Shankly and later by Paisley and player-manager Dalglish.

Meanwhile, the series also looks at how Martin O’Neill helped Nottingham Forest taste European glory, while Liam Brady and Charlie Nicholas dazzled Arsenal fans and took them to the 1979 FA Cup final. 

Discussing these incredible contributions from Scottish and Irish legends are footballing heroes of the era such as Graeme Souness, Martin O’Neill, George Graham, John Aldridge, Charlie Nicholas and Niall Quinn.

Current players and managers will also share their thoughts including Aston Villa's John McGinn, West Ham manager David Moyes, Man Utd star Jonny Evans, Aston Villa and Scotland captain Rachel Corsie and Wigan Athletic's Josh Magennis.

Graeme Souness said: “We’re a bit excitable. We’re a bit too passionate at times which can sometimes get you in trouble but I think there’s been a great contribution from the Celtic people to the English game.”

Jonny Evans added: “A lot of English players have unbelievable massive clubs all on their doorstep. And for us, it’s a bit different.

"You got to have a certain determination to prove yourself. You got to be better than the English players, put it that way.”

Jock Stein with Bill Shankly (Image: Newsquest)

Narrated by Rhona Cameron, the series features other familiar faces from the world of sport and entertainment including comedian Patrick Kielty, presenter Amy Irons, Still Game's Sanjeev Kohli, Father Ted star Ardal O'Hanlon and commentator Chick Young. 

Speaking about Bill Shankly's influence on the Merseyside club, Chick said: “Shankly understood that this was the working man’s game and he knew that football was entertainment and how much people needed it.

"Liverpool weren’t always the great club that they are now and he was a key player in the whole process of bringing that on.”

Pitch Invasion airs on Sunday, January 21 on BBC Scotland.