The prime minister is a football fan

The UK prime minister has sent a message of support to the Celtic team as the Scottish side prepares for the Uefa Cup Final.

Tony Blair has written a letter to team manager Martin O'Neill wishing the squad luck in their match against Portugese side FC Porto.

The football-loving prime minister revealed that he would have been at the final in the Spanish city of Seville on Wednesday evening but for another important commitment.

The UK Government will be represented by Commons Leader John Reid, a Celtic fan, at the match.

Celtic already has its place in European football history as the first British team to win the European Cup back in 1967 Prime Minister Tony Blair

In his letter, Mr Blair said: "I would like to wish you the very best of luck and I hope you return as winners of the Uefa Cup. It is no more than you deserve.

"I would like to be with you in Seville on Wednesday but sadly, due to a speaking engagement which has been in the diary for some time, I cannot make it to the game.

"I have asked John Reid, who as you may know is a Celtic fan, to represent the government at the game and underline our support for your efforts."

Mr Blair went on to note the Glasgow club's previous success in Europe.

He said: "Celtic already has its place in European football history as the first British team to win the European Cup back in 1967.

"Reaching the final of the competition this year is a huge achievement of which you and everyone connected with the club can be proud. To go and win it would be fantastic."

The letter was delivered as preparations for the final continued.

Celtic fans are already partying in Seville

Celtic fans arriving in Seville without tickets for the game were preparing to pay between �500 and �1,000 for a prized brief.

Strathclyde Police has repeated its warning to beware of forgeries on sale for the final.

Thousands of Celtic supporters have begun the exodus to Spain and an estimated 50,000 fans are to descend on the Andalucian capital before Wednesday's game.

The Hoops armada has begun to gather at Flaherty's Irish pub in the shadow of Seville Cathedral, which has already been designated Central Command for the Celtic fans during their stay in the city.

Owner Gerry Enright said he has 30,000 litres of beer on standby - 10 times the normal weekly stock - as the pub prepares for its busiest week since it opened in 1994.

Mr Enright, 60, originally from Cork, said: "The doors will be open for them and everybody here is looking forward to this week.

"The Scottish fans are fondly remembered from the 1982 World Cup and the Celtic fans have a great travelling reputation.

Scramble for tickets

"The craic is great and there has not been a hint of trouble."

On the desperate scramble for tickets, Mr Enright said: "They are like gold dust.

"A fellow came in this morning and offered me one for 900 euros, while a tout told me that from today you can expect to pay �1,000."

Fans without a ticket will be able to watch the game on a seven metre by four metre screen at the Puerta De Triana.

Strathclyde Police said a parade through the streets of Glasgow is being planned should Celtic win the Uefa Cup.