SCOTLAND skipper Scott Brown described it as a fantastic honour to be asked to officially open the £350,000 John Thomson Park football complex in Cardenden.

Hill of Beath lad Scott, the Celtic and Scotland captain, has been a big supporter of the John Thomson football tournament for primary aged children in Cardenden and Kinglassie, and was pleased to get the opportunity to meet with some of the young football stars of the future at Monday's official opening event.

Scott was accompanied at the opening by Provost of Fife, Councillor Jim Leishman; former Celtic player and Scotland internationalist Tom Boyd, who is another big fan of the competition which remembers the Cardenden man, who was dubbed the 'Prince of Goalkeepers,' who tragically died after being injured in an accidental clash with a Rangers player in an Old Firm derby at Ibrox Park in 1931.

Before Scott Brown officially opened the 60 metres by 40 metres G3 pitch at Wallsgreen Park, the John Thomson Committee's Mark Cameron recalled that Thomson had made 211 appearances for Celtic and earned under 23 and four full Scotland caps.

Said Mark: "John Thomson was rightly called the Prince of Goalkeepers and he showed true dedication to reach the level which was set to make him a Scotland regular for years until the unfortunate accident.

"He was a tremendous role model and a true professional and was never dropped by Celtic or Scotland.

"Thanks to Alex Burns, the John Thomson Football Tournament was started in the 1980s to remember a great Cardenden sportsman and six years ago Alex also played his part in the decision to set out to build a complex which would carry Thomson's name.

"It all started with a sponsored walk and then a sponsored cycle which raised around £20,000 which then saw the Thomson Committee seek partnerships and sponsorship and the result is the fine facility at Wallsgreen Park.

"With tremendous input from Fife Council, the Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, and support from Celtic FC and many fans, the goal started six years ago has been achieved and it is excellent that Scott Brown, Tom Boyd and Provost Jim Leishman have been able to come here today to officially open the facility."

Scott said that he found John Thomson Park a top class facility and something he did not have the chance to play on as a youngster.

He added: "I played with my friends in the street before I went into under age football and to have something like this lovely facility will give youngsters from Cardenden the chance to learn and hone their skills on a perfect surface.

"Cardenden is famous for producing top league and international footballers and hopefully more will be encouraged through this facility."

Tom Boyd, who played for Celtic and Scotland in the 1990s added: "Hopefully the youngsters of Cardenden will sharpen up their skills at John Thomson Park but they should always remember that there is no substitute for hard work".

Provost Leishman, himself a professional footballer and manager, said that the council had been delighted to enter into a partnership with the Thomson Committee.

"When you look this facility it has produced the most fantastic facility and boys and girls will be able to practice their football skills and it will also help their general fitness and wellbeing," he added.

A piper led the 100 plus people from Bowhill Centre down to Thomson Park where the pitch was officially opened with the Scottish Premier League Trophy in the foreground, and Scott Brown was delighted to pose for pictures with the children of Denend, Cardenden and St Ninian's Primary Schools and sign autographs.

Local councillors Linda Erskine and Rosemary Liewald were delighted with the success of the event.

Said Ms Erskine, chair of Cowdenbeath Area Committee: "While it is primarily a football facility the council is looking at ways that it can be used to further the fitness and wellbeing of people of all ages. It is a truly excellent facility."

Her vice-chair Ms Liewald added: "I am particularly pleased for Alex Burns who has put so much in to keeping the name of John Thomson to the fore in the Cardenden area and this has been a truly great event."

Alex Burns commented: "Everyone on the John Thomson Committee thanks the groups and people who have supported this project and it is truly a great day to have the Celtic and Scotland captain here to take part in the opening ceremony."

Mark Hood, the former councillor who has been involved in the project for many years and is now part of the Thomson Committee, said: "This day is the culmination of a lot of hard work by many people and it is excellent for Cardenden."