Jack McConnell with Martin O'Neill and the Celtic team

Mr McConnell wished the team luck and told travelling fans to remember they would be ambassadors for Scotland.

He also said the final would provide a boost for Scottish football during what is a difficult and "transitional" phase.

Around 50,000 Celtic fans are expected to travel to Spain for the match.

Difficult decsions

The team arrived in the southern Spanish city of Jerez on Sunday afternoon, where they will be staying before Wednesday's game.

Speaking just days before he chooses the new Scottish cabinet, Mr McConnell made light of his own selection problems.

"I'll be making my own decisions this week, but they're probably not as difficult as the ones that Martin O'Neill has to make," he said.

The first minister is due to complete the formalities of taking office later in the week.

He is due to meet the Queen before being sworn in in at the Court of Session.

It is these duties, he explained, that will keep him from attending the final in Seville.

I am very, very disappointed but my heart will be there Jack McConnell

"I can't go as a result of some of the government business that has to be conducted on Wednesday and Thursday this week," he said.

"I am very, very disappointed but my heart will be there.

"I'll be watching the game and I'm sure everyone in Scotland will be rooting for Celtic to bring back the trophy for our country as well as for the club."

Mr McConnell said it was important that every Celtic fan going to Seville acted as a "good ambassador for Scotland as well as the club".

"I'm sure they're going to be and I think there'll be a fantastic atmosphere inside the stadium and outside the stadium.