Alan Stubbs' agent, Paul Stretford

"I think because of what I do and the reaction around it, a lot more people - especially men - are aware of it now," said Stubbs.

"If they are not, they should be. Of all the cancers you can get, it is probably the one that you want to get.

"Obviously you don't want to get any, but that is the one with the most successful treatment.

"It is quite simply about checking yourself and having a feel down your pants, as we all do.

Role model

"It is something that some people may be ashamed of doing, but it is just a couple of minutes and it would have stopped me going through what I've been through if I'd been more sensible."

Stubbs' agent, Paul Stretford, explained that the defender had wanted to give something back to the people who had helped him through his illness.

"Based around the illness Alan went through, it has been decided that he would like to do something to benefit charities which have a particular meaning to him," said Stretford.

"The Beatson Oncology Unit (at Glasgow's Western Infirmary) helped Alan to recover in his treatment process and the Everyman Action against Male Cancer, which specialises in promoting awareness and research into testicular and prostrate cancer.

"Alan has decided to launch the Alan Stubbs Everyman Cancer Appeal after being asked to act as a role model for the charity in Scotland."