A MAJOR police operation is underway as England football fans arrive in Glasgow for a friendly international against Scotland.

Extra officers from the Metropolitan Police and other forces, were on high alert last night at city rail and bus stations.

The move came after fears were raised over the possibility of English football hooligans travelling to Glasgow to cause trouble around the fixture.

As trains from England arrived at Glasgow Central, there was a high-profile police presence on the concourse, with two police vans parked outside.

British Transport Police said they had increased resources to deal with the arrival of fans for the game.

Around 5000 England supporters are due to attend tonight's match at Celtic Park, which is the first time the two historic rivals have met north of the border since 1999.

A British Transport Police spokesman said: "There is a higher police presence because this is a high category match.

"We have increased the number of officers on trains and in stations. This is a nationwide operation.

"We want to make sure that fans can get to the game safely and there is no disruption to anyone."

As the Evening Times reported yesterday, contingency plans, including an anti-disorder operation, have been put in place in case violence flares.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: "Officers from Police Scotland are supporting officers from British Transport Police in public protection duties."

Extra officers will be on duty around Celtic Park and at crime hotspots. Specialist officers are also trawling social media to gather intelligence on any hints of football hooliganism.

rachel.loxton@ eveningtimes.co.uk