A former regional daily journalist who helped a footballer write his autobiography has been nominated for a prestigious sports writing award.

Jeff Holmes, pictured left, who worked as a features writer at the Paisley Daily Express, has been shortlisted for the Best International Autobiography of the Year at the Cross Sports Book awards.

The book tells the life story of Italian footballer Marco Negri, who became a cult hero at Glasgow club Rangers FC in the late 1990s.

Jeff and Marco face competition from a renowned footballer, rugby union player and racing driver to claim the prize.

Jeff, 55, said: “I am absolutely delighted to be nominated, and shortlisted, for this award.

“Our book is in a really tough category but we are looking forward to going head-to-head with some real sporting heavyweights in London in June.

“We are up against Chelsea footballing legend Didier Drogba, Dan Carter, the All Blacks rugby player and reportedly the best player in the world, and Mark Webber, a Formula 1 champion, among others.

“I’m not used to being mentioned in the same breath as guys like this, but have been told over and over again – and by many people – that the book is there on merit. It has been very well received.”

The winner will be announced in a ceremony to be held at Lord’s Cricket Ground, in London, in June.