BRENDAN RODGERS and the Celtic fans will welcome back Paul McStay to a packed Parkhead on Sunday before the Premiership opener against St Mirren.
The legend, known as The Maestro during his illustrious playing days, will have the honour of unfurling the 55th flag in the club’s glorious history ahead of the 4.30pm kick off.
There is bound to be an extra special cheer for a Hoops great who spent 16 years in the east end of Glasgow as the team’s inspirational onfield leader as he strutted his stuff in the midfield.
Rodgers, speaking to the club website, said: “Paul was a great player. He always gave you hope watching Celtic.
“You always felt that, in those tough times when Celtic maybe suffered a bit, he could produce that moment of magic.
GLORY BHOYS…Paul McStay and Tommy Burns celebrate the 1995 Scottish Cup triumph.
“He was a brilliant player, a really humble guy and I have been fortunate enough to have met him.
“That was a real privilege and a real honour for me. He will get an incredible reception and it will be amazing to see him again.”
McStay, now 60, won eight honours in 678 appearances for the club and was Celtic’s most influential performer throughout season 1987/88 when – with a little help from captain Roy Aitken – he motivated and galvanised his team-mates to the memorable league and Cup double in the club’s centenary year.
In 1996, the middle-of-the-park genius, was troubled by a persistent ankle injury and was forced to retire. However, he refused to quit the previous season and played through the pain barrier as the Hoops claimed the Scottish Cup.
It wasn’t the most unforgettable Hampden display by a Celtic team as an early header from towering striker Pierre van Hooijdonk swept into the Airdrie net, but it was one of the most crucial.
The club had been in a trophy wilderness for six years before that triumph and the occasion also marked Tommy Burns’ managerial debut season with a glittering prize.
It was the least two Celtic icons deserved.
