FORMER Celtic defender Dunky MacKay has passed away at the age of 82.
Lisbon Lion Tommy Gemmell always insisted his fellow-defender was the first attacking full-back at the club.
“Dunky started his career at right-half,” recalled the European Cup hero who died in March 2017. “However, the club had Paddy Crerand in that position,, so they had to find another place for Dunky in the team.
“He took over at right-back and was an absolute revelation. He never got the recognition he deserved, but his team-mates knew his worth.”
MacKay, who played for the Hoops between 1955 to 64, making 236 appearances and scored seven goals.
His first-team debut came in August 1958, in a League Cup tie against Clyde at Shawfield, which Celtic won 4-1 and he soon established himself as first-choice right-back in the team.
He was captain until he passed on the armband to Billy McNeill at the start of the 1963/64 season.
In November 1964 , he joined Third Lanark before moving to Australia where he would eventually settle. He also gained 14 caps for Scotland.
The Celtic players will wear black armbands at today’s game against St Mirren as a mark of respect.
* DON’T miss the unbeatable match report and best action images from St Mirren v Celtic this afternoon – only in your champion CQN.
