Everton striker Duncan Ferguson is to marry in his own match of the day during the World Cup competition.

The Scot will marry fiancee Janine Tasker at Liverpool Cathedral on Friday, June 26.

After the ceremony the Great West Door will be opened for Ferguson and his new bride - the sister-in-law of snooker star John Parrott. This is a privilege that is accorded to very few people.

The Great West Door was opened for the Pope during his visit to the city in the early 1980s and, most recently, for the Battle of the Atlantic service 10 days ago.

The gothic-style place of worship is rarely used for weddings.

Those usually granted licences to be married there include cathedral staff and those with special connections, such as former choristers.

One worshiper said: ''Normally you have to have a direct cathedral association for this red carpet treatment.

''One can only suppose Duncan Ferguson has been accorded this special privilege because he is a footballer.''

The wedding will take place just three days after Scotland play their last Group A game in France against Morocco.

Ferguson has said he will not play for Scotland because of the way he has been treated down the years by the Scottish Football Association.

The wedding ceremony will be followed by a reception at a secret location somewhere in Cheshire.

The couple, who have been dating for a number of years, are believed to be planning a honeymoon in Las Vegas.