McLeish is On the Ball

Tam Cowan and Stuart Cosgrove host the shows

First Minister Henry McLeish has made an appearance on BBC Radio Scotland's football programmes On and Off the Ball.

Mr McLeish - who is himself a former professional footballer - took part in the shows hosted by Stuart Cosgrove and Tam Cowan on Saturday.

A spokesman for the irreverent football fanzine shows said the presenters had been looking forward to the first visit by a member of the Scottish Executive.

An executive spokesman said the appearance on the programme had been planned for some time.

Mr McLeish was ready for some radio laughs

"Henry was very keen to take up the invitation to appear on the show, having been a footballer himself for East Fife and Leeds United, although he admits his time at Leeds wasn't great.

"He enjoys listening to the show when he can and he's well aware of the two hosts' reputation," he said.

In 1963 Mr McLeish became one of the youngest professionals to play in Scotland when he made his East Fife debut at the age of 15.

He played for the side from 1963 to 1969 and won a full cap for the Scotland under 18 youth team.

Fans' phone-in

But the politician's career was abruptly ended through injury.

On the Ball, which reviews the past week's events in the football world, was aired between 1200 and 1230GMT on Saturday.

Off the Ball, which included a live fans' phone-in, followed the day's games at 1715GMT.

Former SNP leader Alex Salmond, Scots Tory leader David McLetchie and Scottish Socialist MSP Tommy Sheridan are all previous guests of the show.