Thousands of Rangers fans are expected to gather to pay their final respects to Fernando Ricksen, alongside former team-mates and opponents of the Rangers legend.

The funeral cortege will drive past Ibrox ahead of the funeral in Glasgow's west end.

It is understood former teammate Nacho Novo is to be a pallbearer.

The former Holland international died aged 43 a week ago, six years after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

He was a fans' favourite during his six-year spell at Rangers after being signed by Dick Advocaat in 2000.

READ MORE: Rangers legend Fernando Ricksen dies aged 43

Mr Ricksen played more than 250 times for the Light Blues after joining from AZ Alkmaar in 2000, winning two league titles during his time in Glasgow.

He helped the club win the domestic cup double in 2002, the treble in 2003 and was captain for a trophy double in 2005.

His final months were spent at St Andrew's Hospice in Airdrie.

A statement from Rangers read: "The funeral cortege will make its way to Ibrox Stadium, for 1pm where it will stop briefly outside the stadium front door to allow fans to pay their respects from the opposite side of the road.

The Herald:

"The procession will come down Broomloan Road and proceed along Edmiston Drive driving east before heading to the Clyde Arc bridge, and on to the church.

"The cortege will then proceed to Wellington Church for the funeral at 2pm, before a private, family service at Linn Crematorium is held.

"The family would like to thank everyone who has paid their respects to Fernando over the last week, it has been a source of comfort at a very difficult time."

READ MORE: Roads to close around Ibrox Stadium for Fernando Ricksen's funeral

After diagnosis in 2013, Ricksen spent his years battling motor neurone disease and campaigning and raising money to find a cure for the debilitating condition.

His charity has raised over £1m in a bid to help scientists with research. 

Glasgow City Council has confirmed that Edmiston Drive will be closed from 12:00 to 13:30 because of the crowd expected to gather as the hearse drives past.

Waiting, loading and uploading restrictions were due to be in place on Edmiston Drive from Broomloan Road and Copland Road from 3pm yesterday.