CELTIC legend Davie Hay admitted Tommy Gemmell was the cause of one of his biggest embarrassments in football.
The former manager and player recalled: “Jock Stein decided to drop Tommy for the League Cup Final against St Johnstone in 1969.
“He had been sent off playing for Scotland in a midweek World Cup qualifier against West Germany.
“That might have been the reason for him being left out, but suddenly I was pitched into the first team in Tommy’s left-back position.
“It was obvious my big mate didn’t know about Jock’s decision.
“He turned up at the dressing room at Hampden and had to be told he wasn’t playing and I was in his usual berth.
“Tommy watched the game from the Hampden stands that afternoon – we won 1-0 with a goal from Bertie Auld – and asked for a transfer the following day!
“Thankfully, he and Jock kissed and made up and he was at Celtic for another couple of years.
“Later in life, he would say to me: ‘Och, Davie, I’m delighted you got your first winner’s medal. I had enough already!’
“I’ll miss that big man.”
