The Scottish Football Association (SFA) will set up an independent review into reports of historic child abuse in the sport.

On Tuesday evening, the governing body announced it had taken initial steps towards setting out the scope of the review.

It has urged anyone with information about abuse in football to speak to the police.

Police Scotland is among forces investigating claims of abuse in football after a string of former players spoke out about their experiences.

An SFA statement said: "Ultimately, we seek to reassure all those concerned by these allegations that Scottish football is a safe and enjoyable environment for children.

"The initial scoping phase will take place with involvement from all stakeholders into the new year and once established we will comment further at the appropriate time."

The review will focus on "processes and procedures in place both currently and historically in Scottish football" and attempt to see how the organisation can learn from the claims.

SFA officials met police on Monday to discuss their efforts to support the criminal investigations into reports of historic abuse.

The governing body will discuss the scope of their investigations with police, to ensure they do not conflict with ongoing criminal investigations

SFA chief executive Stewart Regan said: "Police Scotland has reaffirmed that it is the investigatory authority regarding reports of child sexual abuse in football, and it is therefore crucial to draw the distinction between their ongoing investigation and what lessons football can learn from historic allegations."

Earlier, deputy first minister John Swinney had called on the SFA to set up an independent inquiry.

Last week, a former youth player claimed a coach at the centre of child sex abuse allegations in England was close friends with a Scottish coach also accused of assaulting young players.

Former Manchester City youth player Jason Dunford said Gordon Neely and Barry Bennell greeted each other like "long lost friends" when their sides played each other.

Andy Woodward became the first to speak out publicly last week about the abuse he allegedly suffered at the hands of Barry Bennell.

The former coach sexually abused young boys across three decades from the 1970s onward.