Up to 100,000 Glasgow Rangers fans are expected to pass through Lancashire in the next 24 hours as the Scottish giants prepare to take on Zenit St Petersburg at the City of Manchester Stadium tomorrow night.

Tens of thousands of fans are expected to use Blackpool as their base for the big game – with many ticketless supporters expected to watch the game in the resort's pubs and bars.

Extra police patrols will be on the streets of the resort and licensees have been issued with advice on keeping order ahead of the big game.

Scottish football fans expected to invade Blackpool

Superintendent Peter O'Dwyer, who is leading the operation for Lancashire Police, said: "We are expecting around 100,000 people and we will have extra patrols.

"Anyone who breaks the law will be brought to justice. I would urge all supporters to drink sensibly, behave, enjoy the game and generally have a good day."

As The Gazette revealed on Saturday, the resort's hotels are already enjoying the benefits of an early season boost as fans of the Glasgow club use it as a base for the big match.

Only 17,000 Rangers fans are expected to have tickets for the clash, but big screens are being erected in Manchester to allow ticketless fans to watch the match.

And Blackpool's pubs are being encouraged to show the game on big screens in an attempt to cash in.

Coun Maxine Callow, the resort's portfolio holder for tourism, said: "We welcome people from anywhere and from all walks of life to Blackpool. All that we ask is that they are well behaved."