For the first time ever, an in-depth look into the life and impact of Celtic's founding Father, Brother Walfrid, is to be undertaken.

The research will come as part of a four-year PhD study from the University of Stirling and will be sponsored by a Glasgow-based arts group.

Brother Walfrid founded Celtic Football Club in 1887 to help reduce poverty among Irish immigrants in Glasgow's east end.

Brother Walfrid had a significant impact on the lives of thousands of Irish immigrant Catholics in the last 19th century in Glasgow, and the legacy is still in place today.

But much of his life is still unknown.

It is hoped that the PhD will raise awareness of the larger impact that he had on society, and specifically on immigrants in Glasgow.

Fully-funded with a £25,000 grant by Glasgow-based arts group Nine Muses, the PhD's working title is Faith, Community & Football: Searching for Brother Walfrid.

University of Glasgow alumnus Michael Connolly, 27, has been hand picked to undertake the research.

Mr Connolly said: "As someone who was brought up with a deep awareness regarding the significance of Celtic's presence in Scotland, I felt inspired to write a dissertation for my history degree at university on the origins of the club.

"I called it Charity and Community: The Social and Economic Development of Celtic Football Club Between 1887 and 1900.

"It was then I began to understand the importance of Brother Walfrid not just to Celtic, but to the wider Irish immigrant population he sought to support by creating the football club in Glasgow.

"The works of academic authorities such as Dr Joe Bradley and Professor Sir Tom Devine helped fuel my interest in the themes of immigration, Irish identity, poverty, charity and community, which of course motivated Walfrid to found Celtic.

"I feel excited to be given the opportunity to return to study a subject I am so passionate about!"

Catholic Archbishop of Glasgow Philip Tartaglia said: "As Glasgow's current Catholic Archbishop, as a very proud Glaswegian who was brought up in the city's east end, and as a Celtic supporter and football man, I look forward to the eventual publication of this new study on Brother Walfrid.

"This new study will be a major contribution to the Brother Walfrid story.

"It will surely shine an academic light on the person and faith and motivations of Brother Walfrid, on the underlying facts of his life and activity, on the local and broader historical context, on the local circumstances and the personal interactions of Brother Walfrid with the Glasgow of his time, the City Council, the Catholic Church, his own religious congregation, and the local community leaders.

"We have all heard that Brother Walfrid and his associates wanted to make Celtic F.C. a club 'open to all'.

"That purpose sounds visionary and progressive for its time. As such, it can only be good for the present and future of Glasgow."

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell commented: "Brother Walfrid is a hugely important figure and someone whose contribution to Celtic Football Club and to wider Scottish society is most deserving of this kind of academic study.

"He was a man who gave people hope at a time of desperation, and in adversity someone who brought people together by creating a Club open to all his dedication to helping others has left a phenomenal legacy.

"It is Brother Walfrid's vision of charitable purpose and community through football, which Celtic will always hold dear and will always strive to honour in everything it does. Indeed, we are proud that Brother Walfrid's spirit remains so strong at Celtic as we continue to make a positive difference to the lives of people in need."