TWO Greenock hockey stars say walking out in front of the world at the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony will be one of the proudest moments of their lives.

Medal hopefuls Gordon McIntyre and William Marshall — both former Greenock Hockey Club players — will step out with Team Scotland in front of millions of TV viewers and 40,000 spectators at the glittering ceremony in Celtic Park tonight.

Gordon, a former Ardgowan Primary School and Greenock Academy pupil, expects the home crowd to go wild as they proudly follow the Saltire around the track.

He told the Tele: “I went to the opening ceremony at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi fours years ago which was amazing and, when India walked out, the reaction was unbelievable.

“Hopefully it’s going to be the same here when we walk out.” William, 28, a former Greenock Academy pupil who grew up in Eldon Street, is equally excited.

He said: “I was also at the opening ceremony in Delhi which was incredible. The noise from the crowd was amazing but I think it will be even more exciting as it’s in our home country, so it will be pretty special.” Both William and Gordon are fans of their team’s controversial Commonwealth Games outfits, which have been victim of some negative press.

William said: “I know there has been a lot of bad things said about it but I don’t mind what I’m wearing as that is not what it’s about.” The pair are now staying with their team-mates at a house in the athletes village and say the atmosphere is electric.

William said: “We are living on top of each other in the same house which is really good for us as a team.

“The village is buzzing and in our Scottish street there are Saltire flags everywhere.

“It’s pretty special.

“The facilities are also outstanding. You can get food round the clock and there is a neverending supply of water and juice. The physiotherapists and doctors are also always on hand.” The pair told the Tele they have also spotted some of the world’s most famous athletes casually wandering about.

William said: “I’m told that Usain Bolt was walking just in front of me the other day and we also saw Sir Bradley Wiggins in the dining area.” After the opening ceremony, they will have a rest day tomorrow before their quest for a medal begins on Friday against South Africa.

They will then play India on Saturday before facing Wales on Monday and Australia on Thursday.

Gordon firmly believes they have a good chance of success.

He said: “Our match against South Africa is quite an important game for us.

“We have played them twice recently and lost very narrowly but I think we can win against them.

“We are in good shape and are playing really well. We probably want to win three games to get through to the semis.” l The opening ceremony will be broadcast live on BBC One Scotland at 8pm tonight.