The statue of Davie Cooper, which was erected at the council’s Palace Grounds site in 1999, has now been cleaned up and the plaque outlining the player’s major sporting achievements has had its lettering redone.

Councillor Joe Fagan, the Leader of South Lanarkshire Council said: “I am delighted that we have been able to restore this statue recognising the life of one of our area’s most famous sons.

“It was unveiled 25 years ago and inevitably time has had an impact on the statue and its signage.

“So, it is great to see the overhaul of the statue and its surrounding area. A big thank you must go to the council’s Grounds Services team for all their hard work returning the bronze statue to its former glory.”

The plaque, which had been badly weathered over the last 25 years, now clearly reads:

DAVID COOPER 1956-1995. THIS STATUE WAS ERECTED BY SOUTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL AS A TRIBUTE TO FOOTBALL LEGEND DAVID COOPER

1974 - 1977 Clydebank FC

1977 - 1989 Glasgow Rangers FC

1989 - 1993 Motherwell FC

22 full international caps

3 Scottish League Championship Medals

4 Scottish Cup Winner Medals

7 Scottish League Cup Winner Medals.

Artist: Kenny Mackay - Scott Associates.

The statue was unveiled on 18th March 1999 by Councillor Tom McCabe Leader of South Lanarkshire Council and Alistair McCoist footballer and friend on March 18th 1999

The renovation work was completed just days before the anniversary of his untimely death on 23 March 1995, aged just 39.

David MacKinnon said: "Having been a friend and team-mate of Davie, it was sad to see the deterioration of this memorial to him on a recent visit.

"Having raised the issue and having had significant supportive feedback from across the full football spectrum, I am delighted that the good people at South Lanarkshire Council have quickly responded, and to their great credit, have returned this memorial to the memory of the great Davie Cooper that they created in his home town, back to pristine condition.

“Thank you on behalf of everyone who showed their interest and, of course, Davie's family, who'll be delighted."