GLASGOW'S East End was at a standstill today as thousands gathered to pay their respects to Celtic legend Tommy Burns.

From early today crowds of people arrived to line the streets between St Mary's Church in Calton, where a funeral Mass was being held for Tommy from 12.15pm, and nearby Celtic Park.

Organisers said tens of thousands were expected along the route and outside the stadium where the funeral service will be broadcast over a PA system.

Tommy - who died last week after a two-year battle against skin cancer - was a devout Catholic. He was brought up in Calton and had a long association with St Mary's chapel in Abercromby Street.

Many of his former Celtic colleagues, as well as representatives from Rangers and other clubs, were packing into the East End church.

First Minister Alex Salmond was representing the Scottish Government and entertainer Billy Connolly, a lifelong Celtic fan, was expected to join the mourners.

As the crowds gathered outside the church, Celtic scarves and jerseys were tied to the church railings and many of the mourners wore green and white Celtic tops.

A banner at the entrance to Abercromby Square, a nearby housing development read: "God Bless Tommy Burns."

And at the corner of Gallowgate and Bellgrove Street a large banner with a picture of Tommy Burns was unfurled. It read: "St Mary's favourite son. Calton Bhoys. RIP. God Bless."

All morning floral tributes were delivered, some carried inside the chapel and others laid outside.

Police, security staff and ambulance workers mingled with the huge crowd.

Alice McCafferty, 46, from Parkhead, clutched a red rose as she waited for the service to begin.

She said: "I used to work with Tommy when I was a steward at Celtic Park.

"Every time he came in and out the door he always greeted me with a smile.

"He used to call Karen, my sister, his angel'."

The order of service for the requiem mass had a picture of Tommy Burns in full Celtic strip on his knees and with his hands clenched.

On the back a message from his family read: "The Burns family would like to thank everyone for their support, prayers, cards and flowers during this time.

"They have been overwhelmed by the kindness and support offered, not only by Celtic supporters, but indeed by football fans in general and people from all walks of life."

Outside Celtic Park fans were stunned today by the sheer scale of the tributes.

Mark Connor, 63, from Craigend, said: "It's just gob-smacking. I didn't realise it was so big."

Jim McDaid, 57, of Glasgow, marvelled: "All of this just goes to show how loved Tommy was by everyone who ever met him."

One woman in her 40s was almost in tears as she walked around the area.

"I never met Tommy but he must have been some man if this is what he gets today," she said.

Many inscriptions simply read: "Tommy Burns, 1957-2008 - You'll Never Walk Alone."

Tommy had a long playing career with Celtic before moving into management.

He managed Kilmarnock, Reading and his beloved Celtic and was an assistant coach for Scotland.