A homeless Glasgow man who stood in the freezing rain for three hours to guard a handbag left in an open car insists: "I’m no hero".

James John McGeown become a viral hit after the amazing story was posted on Facebook by the owner of the car, John McMonagle.

READ MORE: Hero homeless man stands in freezing rain for hours to guard cash left in car at Glasgow court

The motorist, who owns McMonagles Boat fish and chip restaurant in Clydebank, described the tale as “breathtaking.”

However, appearing on ITV show This Morning James played down his role guarding the handbag which contained £450.

Presenter Eamonn Holmes asked if he thought he was a hero, James replied: "No, Not really."

He went on to explain: "I was next to a hospice, just keeping an eye on the car, they were bringing money for food and sleeping under the wee bridge.

Glasgow Times:

John McMonagle (left) with James John McGeown (right) - Facebook

“A lot of people would have taken the money, but I haven’t got the heart for it because of the homeless place next to me.

“Two people came by the car and looked in and saw the money.”

Since James' good deed went viral he has been inundated with offers for accommodation and work.

READ MORE: Hero homeless man stands in freezing rain for hours to guard cash left in car at Glasgow court

Businessman John McMonagle was also so touched by the act of kindness that he set up a GoFundMe page to initially raise £5,000 for James.

The target was quickly passed with the total continuing to grow over £17,000.

John said: "It’s been absolutely breathtaking, it really has. What James did was incredible.”

Excess funds from the online appeal are to go to homeless charities and support networks to help more people just like James in Scotland.

Click here to donate.