GLASGOW'S bid to become a Euro 2020 host city will take a step forward this week.

The city is in the running to host a series of football matches after Uefa's Executive Committee agreed that the 2020 finals should be staged in various cities across Europe.

Scottish Football Association president Campbell Ogilvie is set to make a pitch to Uefa on Thursday for Glasgow to host a package of games during the European Championships.

If successful, Glasgow would host a group section, or matches in the knockout stage.

Mr Ogilvie will fly to Uefa's Swiss HQ to present Glasgow's case for host-city status.

The multi-city scheme, dreamed up by Michel Platini, the Uefa President, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the first European Championships, drew a line under the Scottish FA's attempt, along with their Irish and Welsh counterparts, to stage the 24-team tournament themselves.

However, with up to 13 cities likely to host matches, Glasgow is well-placed to play a prominent role.

Mr Ogilvie said: "Thursday's meeting will be another at which the criteria is discussed but there will be packages you can bid for.

"It will open it up to more countries but there are a lot of logistical problems."

An announcement on Uefa's decision will be made in May.

Glasgow is one of the few cities in Europe with three sports stadiums that can hold more than 50,000 spectators, Hampden and Ibrox can both seat that number, with Celtic Park a 60,000-seat arena.

Previously, the city successfully hosted the 2002 Champions League final and the 2007 Uefa Cup final.

Glasgow also hosted men and women's football matches, as part of the 2012 Olympics.

rebecca.gray@ heraldandtimes.co.uk