GOULD BACK IN GOALS FOR STEIN TRIBUTE

He said: “I’m really looking forward to it. At our age we all have to work a bit harder to be match-ready, but my coaching role at West Brom keeps me fit and I’ll be making a concerted effort to be in shape.

“Going to these grounds brings back happy memories and bumping into former team-mates will be something to look forward to.”

Gould also reflected on the tense encounter between Wim Jansen’s side and Dunfermline on the second last weekend of the 1997/1998 season. The Hoops knew a win would give them their first championship in 10 years.

Simon Donnelly put the Parkhead men ahead, but the Fifers halted the celebrations when they levelled in the fading moments.

Gould said: “I can still see Craig Faulconbridge and that looping header! We had plenty of chances to put it away that day and I can still remember the tension from the stands.

“The fans were disappointed as they had come for a party that day, but, fortunately, we got the job done the next week and the rest is history.”

Of course, it was Henrik Larsson and Harald Brattbakk who got the goals to shoot down St Johnstone 2-0 in Glasgow to bring the flag back to Paradise on the final day of an exhausting campaign.

Turning his attention to Jock Stein, Gould shared a warm anecdote about a treasured piece of memorabilia from the legendary manager, as well as underlining his respect for Stein’s legacy.

He said: “On the night Jock Stein passed away, I was in Bristol and my dad was at the game. My father actually met Jock Stein before the game that night and Jock asked him if he’d swap a £20 note for two tenners. To this day, I still have those two tenners, framed and in my house.

“Jock Stein was so revered and highly thought of at Dunfermline, Celtic and Leeds as well as Scottish national side and he was so looked up to, he was an icon.”

Gould has now joined Tom Boyd, Stiliyan Petrov, Tosh McKinlay, Alan Stubbs, Martin Compston, Simon Donnelly and Jackie McNamara toplay in the game which will be sponsored by Direct Slating Supplies.

Tickets for the match, priced at £12 for adults and £6 for concessions, are available ONLINE, by calling 0871 226 1888* or by visiting the Celtic Ticket Office.

Matchday Hospitality is available, on a first come, first served basis, in the Purvis Suite at a cost of £45 per person, or supporters can upgrade to a pitch-side box for an additional price of £100 per person.

To make a booking please visit www.dafc.co.uk, contact DAFC on 01383 724295, or email sales@dafc.co.uk

Proceeds from the day will be shared between Celtic FC Foundation and the Pars Foundation, the respective charitable arms of both clubs.