TOMMY GEMMELL hit the headlines for his thunderous long-range shooting.
But the defender carved out a special niche in during his Celtic career – he played in goal twice in emergency situations.
Gemmell took over the No.1 jersey from Ronnie Simpson when the veteran suffered a damaged shoulder in a Scottish Cup second round tie against Clyde at Shawfield on February 12, 1969.
Only 15 minutes had gone when the outfield player went into goal and he kept out the opposing forwards as the game ended goalless.
The Hoops won the replay 3-0 on their way to beating Rangers 4-0 in the Cup Final at Hampden.
And Tommy took over again in a League Cup semi-final replay against Ayr United on October 13, 1969 at the national stadium.
Simpson was carried off in the 78th minute in what was to prove to be his final appearance for the Hoops.
It was 2-1 when he went off and the left-back switched to goalie again as Celtic saw out the remaining 12 minutes.
Gemmell always insisted: “I had two shut-outs in two games..
“I believe I am the only keeper in Celtic’s history who has never lost a goal!”
