A JEWELLED Faberge egg created in tribute to a footballing legend could fetch up to £20,000 when it goes under the hammer today.

The egg is one of a series of 19 made in 2005 to represent the number of medals won by Jimmy 'Jinky' Johnstone.

Johnstone was voted the greatest Celtic player of all time by fans of the club and is said to be one of the greatest ever Scottish footballers.

He died in 2006 after a battle with motor neurone disease.

The egg, number 18 in the series, opens to reveal a silver and gold figure of the player.

The last example to be auctioned fetched £14,600 several years ago. That egg was bought anonymously at McTear's Auctioneers. It was sold by a pair of lifelong Celtic fans from Glasgow.

Brian Clements, managing director at McTear's, said: "Not only are the Jimmy Johnstone Faberge eggs remarkable examples of high-quality jewellery in their own right, they are also important pieces of football memorabilia.

"The eggs are highly sought after by collectors and it is believed a number are owned by leading figures in football."

At the time of their creation, Sarah Faberge said: "The Lord of the Wing film confirmed my respect for Jimmy Johnstone and it was a privilege to meet him in Glasgow."

The 19 Faberge eggs - made from silver, enamel and yellow and black gold - represent the medals Jinky won, including the UEFA European Cup, the Scottish league championship, the Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup.