Scottish football has paid an emotional tribute to tragic Motherwell captain Phil O'Donnell.

A minute's applause was held before yesterday's SPL fixtures for the 35-year-old who died of heart failure. Players also wore black armbands as a mark of respect for the father-of-four.

The Motherwell captain collapsed during his club's game against Dundee United on Saturday.

United players who had witnessed O'Donnell's fall took part in a tribute ahead of their home match with Hearts.

Tannadice fell silent as both sets of players stood around the centre circle, before the ground erupted in applause on the signal of the referee.

United had a bid to postpone their match rejected by the Scottish Premier League.

Players, fans and officials also took part in a minute's applause before yesterday's Kilmarnock versus Falkirk game and ahead of the match between Aberdeen and Inverness at Pittodrie.

Tributes were also paid at lower league games and at Motherwell's Fir Park.

Among the mourners who paid their respects yesterday was former Celtic captain Neil Lennon.

The 36-year-old said: "Phil stood out as a true gentleman in the game of football.

"I came back to Glasgow for the holidays and couldn't leave without paying tribute to such a great guy."

Hamilton is expected to come to a standstill tomorrow for the Motherwell captain's funeral. Family, friends and famous figures from the world of football will pack into St Mary's Church in Cadzow Street for the mid-day Requiem Mass.

Provost Russell Clearie predicts it will be reminiscent of the day three months ago when 15,000 mourners turned out for the funeral of racing driver Colin McRae in nearby Lanark, after he and his son Johnny, 5, were tragically killed in a helicopter crash.

Mr Clearie said: "The people of Motherwell and Hamilton will turn out in huge numbers - you can't tell them not to.

"The tributes left outside Fir Park demonstrate the respect Phil had across the footballing world.

"Phil was a fantastic role model for young people and we were particularly proud when he returned to Lanarkshire to play again for Motherwell.

"It is on occasions like these that a community can show its respect to someone like him.

"It's not so long ago that I was attending Colin McRae's funeral in Lanark. I expect to see the same kind of turn-out."

St Mary's can accommodate fewer than 500 people. Phil's family have asked that only relatives, close friends and football club representatives attend in person.

Yesterday's Old Firm derby between Rangers and Celtic was postponed as was Motherwell's match at Hibernian.

Gretna's game against St Mirren was also called off as it was due to take place at Fir Park.