Celtic legend John Hartson has spoken for the first time about the 25mph Golf buggy accident that left him with 48 stitches. 

Evening Times columnist John turned up to amateur football club sportsman’s dinner in Kincardineshire with his head bandaged following the accident, which occurred while he was playing golf near his Peebles home on Wednesday.

The ex Hoops star reportedly needed 48 stitches in his head after the accident and was told he would need plastic surgery.

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In his column in today's Evening Times, he said: "I am not too sure how many lives I have left.

"I had a pretty shocking accident last week when my gulf buggy drove into a tree at a fairly decent speed and I have been left with a fair few stitches in my head.

"To be honest, I am absolutely fine although it was pretty shocking at the time.

"I obviously got a bit of a fright because there was a lot of bleeding and I went into a bit of shock but once I got to hospital and got stitched up I was absolutely fine.

Read more: Celtic ace John Hartson 'needed 48 stitches' after golf buggy accident

"I am not sure the same can be said for my long suffering family! It was just one of these things but I am absolutely fine and raring to go again.

"I have been counting my blessings for a long time now and it was just another incident that underlines how important it is to go and live your life to the full and enjoy it."