Former Rangers player Fernando Ricksen has been given the go-ahead to fly to a tribute dinner in Glasgow after a U-turn from an airline.

The Rangers legend, who has motor neurone disease, is due to attend a black tie event on Saturday evening in his honour but was stopped from boarding a flight on Thursday after an airline told him he was 'too ill to fly'.

Ricksen, who needs a wheelchair to get on the plane, was prevented from boarding the Valencia to Amsterdam flight after KLM staff said he would not be able to safely use his seat belt in an emergency situation.

The former Dutch international was said to be "very upset" at the prospect of missing the charity event at the Hilton Doubletree, which is raising funds for MND sufferers and their families under the banner of the Fernando Ricksen Foundation.

Publicist Vincent de Vries confirmed on Friday KLM had got back in touch and said the 40-year-old would be allowed to fly.

Mr de Vries said: "I think they were a bit surprised by the bad press because they called us last night to say it's OK for the flight today with the same conditions.

"He is flying the same shuttle, same timetable, same flight and also alone, so there is no difference between today and yesterday, but today it is no problem to fly.

"It was strange that they said that they said yesterday it was 'impossible' and now today they said it's 'possible'."

Mr de Vries said the former right back was due to arrive in Glasgow on Friday night and was looking forward to meeting up with former players Barry Ferguson, Marco Negri and Charlie Miller on Saturday.

He added: "He doesn't want to miss his own night with all his former teammates.

"But he will be happy to see all those guys and his friends, so he is happy."