FOOTBALL players have thanked fans after a star-studded football match raised £300,000 for Oxfam's drought-affected Africa appeal.

Around 55,000 fans watched the Celtic v Manchester United “Legends” match at Celtic Park and saw a hat-trick by Henrik Larsson.

Former player John Hartson said after the 5-2 home win: “Playing in a football match like the one on Tuesday was a pleasure and a privilege and playing on the winning team, well that’s even better. But what was really good – when it was all over – was to remember that it wasn’t just a game of football, but an amazing way of helping out families in East Africa who are still desperately in need of the most basic things, like water, food, livestock and shelter.

“It’s nice to think that football really can change the world, even if just in a small way.”

Hollywood actor Gerard Butler played for Celtic, while Angus Deayton and singer Richard Ashcroft turned out for United.