Sporting his gap-toothed grin he banged in goals for Leeds, Manchester United and AC Milan, scored in three World Cups and then hung up his boots in Bristol.

So the words of Joe Jordan carry some clout when he says the city would make a superb venue for World Cup football as part of England's 2018 bid.

Lord Triesman and co on the England 2018 bid team will decide this week which cities will be included in their bid to FIFA and every word of support for Bristol is sure to help raise the profile of this part of the country come decision time.

The Scotsman finished his illustrious playing career in the West Country with Bristol City, moved from pitch to dugout at Ashton Gate and endeared himself to the red half of town by earning promotion in 1990 from the old Third Division.

The blue half were kept happy as well with a 3-0 derby win over City at Twerton Park which saw them leapfrog Jordan's side and eventually finish top of the division, ensuring both teams were promoted.

"I still live in Bristol so I'm a wee bit biased," admitted Jordan, after lending his support to Bristol's bid for inclusion in England's 2018 campaign as a candidate host city. But his experience around the globe at club and international level lend credence to his opinions.

Such is his standing north of the border that his name has been in the mix to replace George Burley as Scotland manager, while Spurs' boss Harry Redknapp has pleaded for him to remain as his valued right-hand man in London.

"Obviously, if Bristol City had been playing in the Premier League Bristol would be a lot more noticed," said Jordan, explaining people's surprise at the strength of the city's bid to be part of a 2018 World Cup in England.

"It is a shame as it is such a huge catchment area," he added.

"And that is one of the big advantages of having it as a World Cup centre.

"You get all the people in Bristol, and everyone from Swindon to Plymouth, Exeter and Torquay. This part of Great Britain is enormous and there's a lot of football supporters down there."

Jordan was part of a healthy generation of Scottish football talent and helped his national side qualify for the 1974 World Cup in Germany, Argentina in 1978 and Spain in 1982. He then joined an elite group of players who have scored in three consecutive World Cups.

"I think for the players it is the ultimate," he said, reflecting on the importance of the tournament.

"It's huge. It is something they are all striving to achieve and play against the best players in the world. And that also applies to the supporters. Especially if your country's playing in it.

"For the supporters it is incredible. I went to Germany in 2006. France 1998, Italy 1990. It's fantastic. It is a great way to see a country. We stayed in Berlin and got to different games around Germany."

Now he believes it is England's and Bristol's turn to play host, as well as backing Tottenham's new stadium for inclusion in England's bid to FIFA.

"Bristol is a huge city. We are progressing in the game and for Bristol to have a World Cup centre would be fantastic," he said.

"The city needs a stadium anyhow. It's a must. The stadiums throughout England are absolutely fantastic so Bristol needs the stadium to compete."

We will know tomorrow whether Bristol's hopes of hosting World Cup football have made it to the next stage.