A Glasgow pub once owned by Celtic legend Billy McNeill could be turned into a hostel for the homeless.

An application to transform McNeill’s into supported accommodation for nine people has been submitted to Glasgow City Council.

The bar in Torrisdale Street opened in 1965 as the Madeira before Lisbon Lion Billy McNeill bought it and renamed it.

The Evening Times understands the former Celtic captain offloaded the two-storey venue several years ago and has no financial interest in the hostel plan.

The application for planning permission states that the redevelopment will be led by a company known as ‘Dundas Heritable Ltd’.

It is understood the applicant had wanted to turn the 335 square metre site into a twelve-bed hostel but that number has since been reduced to nine beds.

A spokesman for the applicant said: “I can confirm that we have submitted an application for a nine-bedroom supported housing development.

“Sadly the days of working man pubs are drawing to a close and believe this development will be a small but worthy addition to the services available to people who find themselves in need in Glasgow.”

The spokesman added: “I can confirm that Billy McNeill has no interest in either the existing operation or the proposed development.”

Members of Shawlands and Strathbungo Community Council met last night to discuss the plans and many residents have posted comments on the community council’s Facebook page.

Some sought reassurances that the hostel would be properly managed if it is given the green light by the council.

Euan Cowie said: “The question I have at this point is what can we do to ensure this is a supported, staffed facility that helps some of Glasgow's most vulnerable people?

“I don't want to have an ‘object first’ attitude to things, especially when vulnerable people stand to benefit.

“At the same time I do have concerns that the facility needs to be well supported to actually achieve those potential benefits.”

Finlay Macrae said: “If it is for housing Glasgow council's list of people in need then we have a collective responsibility to help our fellow Glaswegians.

“If adequately staffed and support is available for the people housed then this could be a benefit to the greater Glasgow area.”

Susan Welsh warned that there already hostels operating in the area and asked “how many of these places can one square mile cope with before it drives out the hardworking decent families who want to walk and play and enjoy their neighbourhood?”

A spokesman for the applicant said: “We would be pleased to meet with the local community at any time to discuss our innovative proposals.”

A spokesman for Glasgow City Council said the application is expected to be considered by the planning committee in “late summer or early autumn”.

Comments on the planning application must be lodged with the council by 5pm on Monday, August 3 by visiting glasgow.gov.uk/onlineapplications