Scotland star Barry Bannan has given his support to a programme keeping young people off the streets on Friday nights.

The Airdrie-born ­midfield player visited pupils at St Ambrose High School, Coatbridge to help encourage more than 150 youngsters taking part in sporting activities.

Bannan, who plays for English Premier League side Crystal ­Palace, said: "Getting involved in sport is a great way to keep occupied, stay out of trouble and build friendships.

"Everyone was really enjoying themselves and it's a fantastic project."

North Lanarkshire Leisure's Friday Night Project has helped ­reduce incidents of youth-related anti-­social activity by ­providing a safe and ­secure environment for young people to enjoy themselves.

The project was initially founded at the Kier Hardie Centre in Holytown four years ago, but its popularity led to it being rolled out to other sites.