The former striker and current BBC broadcaster carried the Torch through his home city of Leicester, before handing torchbearing duties to Matt, who is studying a master's degree in computing.

The 30 year-old has athetoid cerebal palsy, and was nominated to carry the Torch by his university for being a model student.

Matt, who uses a motorised wheelchair and communicates through a computer screen, said of his nomination: "When DMU asked me if I minded having my name put forward for the Torch Relay I was astonished to be picked from thousands of students.

"I couldn't believe it - I think I'm just an ordinary student with a few extra wheels."
He added after receiving the Torch from Lineker: "I didn't realise Gary could still pass that well. I will remember this occasion for a long time."

After handing the Torch to Manchester United-supporting Matt on Abbey Park Road on Tuesday morning, Match of the Day presenter Lineker was full of praise for the student.

"This epitomises what the Torch Relay is all about and shows the real spirit of the Games. I hope Matt enjoyed his few hundred yards as much as I enjoyed running mine," he said.

Matt was one of three De Montfort students selected to carry the Torch - the others being Ahmad Teladia, who was nominated for his charity work, and midwifery student Kerry Hewitt, who was put forward for her hard work in overcoming dyslexia and dyscalculia.

Professor Dominic Shellard, Vice-Chancellor of De Montfort University, said: "Matt, Ahmad and Kerry are an inspiration to us all."