AN HISTORIC Scottish League Championship medal won by a former Greenock Morton player is expected to fetch thousands of pounds when it goes under the hammer at auction.

The pre-First World War honour was collected by fullback George Ormond when he played for Rangers in the first of his three seasons at Ibrox in 1911/12.

James Bruce of auctioneers McTear's said: "We see a significant number of football medals but it is very unusual to come across such a fine example from the early part of the 20th century."

Ormond won a second league title with the Rangers the following season and moved to Morton in 2014, going on to complete six seasons with the Greenock club.

The 15ct gold medal, which is being sold by a descendant of the player, will be one of the top items in McTear's Works of Art auction on Friday.

It is expected to fetch between £2,000 and £3,000.

The lot comes in its original fitted case and has a centre enamelled with a lion rampant and 'Champions 1911-12 Rangers FC'. The reverse is inscribed with 'Scottish Football League, George Ormond', within a laurel wreath.

Ormond was involved in 179 league games and seven Scottish Cup ties for Morton before finishing his career at Arbroath in season 1920/21.

Mr Bruce of McTear's said: "The medal is a truly historic piece of football memorabilia and considering it was awarded more than 100 years ago, it is in fantastic condition.

"Rare memorabilia associated with the Old Firm is highly sought after and I fully expect the piece to attract considerable interest from collectors at home and overseas."