But Mr Watson told PA News that when Spanish giants Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen of Germany take to the field, Scotland’s joint Euro 2008 bid with Ireland will also be put under the spotlight.

On the significance of the occasion, he said: ‘‘It means a lot and what we are going to do is give a very clear example to the whole of Europe and most of the world that Scotland and Glasgow can host a major sporting event and do it well.

‘‘The focus will not just be on the stadium but on the support network such as hotels and the transport infrastructure and hopefully it will be a very good example of our organisational abilities.

‘‘We will also be using the final to highlight our tourism potential and we will be trying to convince fans that, although they may come to Scotland for two or three days for the match, we have enough attractions for them to return for a more protracted break.’’

Asked whether the joint bid would be highlighted at the match, the minister said: ‘‘We will not be overtly promoting the bid as that would be contrary to what Uefa would want us to do.

‘‘But by example we hope to enhance the bid and subtly promote it.’’

Under the proposals four Scottish stadiums and two Irish grounds will stage the championships, with the final being played at Hampden.

The team behind the joint Celtic bid claims it would attract 400,000 visitors, sell 1.7 million tickets and generate £450 million.

Rival proposals include a joint bid between Austria and Switzerland and a four-way Nordic bid between Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Norway.

Simon Lyons, spokesman for Scotland and Ireland’s joint bid, said the Champions League final presented the team with an invaluable opportunity.

He said: ‘‘I think the bid team will never have a better chance to impress Uefa.

‘‘However, we are leaving it to the Scottish Football Association to act as the silent salesman.

‘‘We believe it is a Champions League match and, as Uefa are very much marketing led, it is a separate product.’’

On the preparations for the match, he said: ‘‘We have had good reports that everything is going very well.

‘‘And if all goes well on the night it will be a huge boost for the 2008 bid.

‘‘It is very important, not necessarily for Hampden, but for Scotland as a whole as it will show Uefa that we have the experience to organise and host a major event.

‘‘Scots are very highly regarded within Uefa as football administrators and I am confident that reputation will be enhanced on Wednesday.’’