THE Tartan Army won't be grounded in Warsaw after March's football friendly between Poland and Scotland.

Wizz Air, Eastern Europe's biggest budget airline, is laying on a special early morning flight to bring the national team's travelling support home.

It's the first time Wizz Air has put on a one-off flight for football fans since ditching cash crippled Prestwick and switching to Glasgow Airport last year.

The Hungarian airline flies to Warsaw from Glasgow each Tuesday and Saturday and airline chiefs are hoping the international friendly in the Polish capital on Wednesday, March 5, will trigger mass bookings by the Tartan Army for the afternoon flight out the day before the game.

But instead of fans having to wait three days for a return flight to Glasgow, Wizz Air is laying on a special plane out of Warsaw on the morning after the match, Thursday, March 6.

An Airbus A320, with capacity to carry 180 fans, will jet out of the Polish city at 5.40am and touch down in Glasgow at 7.30am. Tickets for a return flight cost £220 each.

Airline spokesman Daniel de Carvalho said: "Wizz Air is delighted to announce an extra flight to allow the Tartan Army an early return home after attending the match with the Polish national team.

"Our convenient departure time ensures fans can return to work or enjoy a full free day with an early morning arrival at Glasgow Airport after the match.

"We recommend fans book quickly on Wizzair.com."

A Glasgow Airport spokesman said: "Wizz Air's decision to add an extra flight is great news for Scotland fans who will be making the trip to Warsaw."

The friendly will act as a warm-up for Gordon Strachan's men ahead of the European Championship qualifiers.

The sides last met in Poland in 2001 when the game ended in a 1-1 draw.

gordon.thomson@ eveningtimes.co.uk