A RANGERS star suffered severe burns to his face - not to mention ribbing from his team-mates - after an egg he was poaching in a microwave exploded.

A RANGERS star suffered severe burns to his face - not to mention ribbing from his team-mates - after an egg he was poaching in a microwave exploded.

Reports say defender Kirk Broadfoot, 24, was showered with glass, boiling water and the hot egg, when the dish shattered when he went to remove his snack from the microwave.

Broadfoot, who also plays for Scotland, is said to have plunged his face under the cold water tap in an effort to cool down the painful burns.

He then called his parents to his home in Ballochmyle, Ayrshire, who took him to Crosshouse Hospital.

It has been reported the footballer, who has been with the club since 2007, was treated in hospital for burns to his cheeks.

Though he was later sent home, reports say the embarrassing accident could have blinded him - and put an end to his playing career.

One insider said: " It was a close shave. He was very close to burning his eye which could have had a serious impact on his career."

Broadfoot was already out with an injury before the egg incident on Sunday.

He is expected to make a full recovery from his scalds. The footballer is not the only person to have an egg-mishap.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents says 500 Britons needed hospital treatment after "egg-related incidents" in 2002, the last year data was collected.

They urged people to take extra care when dealing with boiling water in a microwave.