Alex McLeish is joined by proud wife wife Jill, daughter Rebecca and son Jamie.

Blues boss Alex McLeish was today recognised by the University of Aberdeen for his services to sport, as he was awarded with an honorary degree.

The Blues boss, who captained Aberdeen FC before moving on to a successful career in management, accepted a Doctor Honoris Causa at the University's summer graduation ceremony on Thursday afternoon.

A member of the Scottish Football Hall of Fame, he made nearly 500 league appearances for Aberdeen during their trophy-laden 80s glory years, winning 77 Scotland caps before management spells at Motherwell and Hibernian.

Guiding Rangers FC to two SPL Championships and five cup wins in five years confirmed him as one of Europe's most promising young managers.

McLeish's subsequent stewardship of the Scotland team saw the side narrowly fail to qualify for the finals of the 2008 UEFA European Championship, a campaign that included a memorable 1-0 victory over France in the Parc des Princes.

"We are proud Alex McLeish has agreed to accept an honorary degree," said Professor Stephen Logan, senior vice principal of the University of the Aberdeen.

"As captain of Aberdeen FC and as a Scottish international he always led by example, and he carried on that winning mentality into his career in management.

"Alex has always conducted himself in a dignified and eloquent fashion, often under an intense media glare, and it is fitting that he is recognised by the University as one of Scotland's most distinguished sportsmen."