Wednesday 16 December 2015 17:27, UK
Celtic legend Billy McNeill is bracing himself for an emotional day when his statue is unveiled outside the club's stadium on Saturday.
The 75-year-old will take part in the ceremony on the Celtic Way ahead of the Scottish Premiership home match against Motherwell.
McNeill, voted the club's greatest ever captain, played 790 times for the Hoops, more than any other player, winning nine successive titles, seven Scottish Cups, six League Cups and leading them in their finest hour, a 2-1 victory over Inter Milan in Lisbon in the final of the European Cup in May 1967.
The statue will be in close proximity to that of Brother Walfrid, the club's founder who died 100 years ago last April, legendary manager Jock Stein and winger Jimmy Johnstone, who was voted the Greatest Ever Celt in 2002.
"I am sure Saturday will be a fantastic day for myself and my family, if somewhat emotional," said McNeill, who also enjoyed great success as manager during two spells at the club which included winning the league and cup double in their centenary year of 1988.
"I have said this before, but when Peter (Lawwell, chief executive) contacted me regarding the statue I was completely taken by surprise and to now think that I will be honoured alongside such great men as Brother Walfrid, Jock Stein and my pal Jinky, really does fill me with great pride.
"Celtic has been in my blood and a part of my life for so many years and to be recognised in this way by the club I love is truly humbling. Myself and my wife have already seen the statue and we think it is magnificent. I asked John the sculptor to make me as handsome as possible.
"I would like to thank everyone for the best wishes they have sent me in relation to Saturday. It is a day I am really looking forward to," he told the club's website.
And Lawwell is delighted to be able to provide a fitting tribute to McNeill after such a distinguished career as player and manager.
"No player has made more appearances for Celtic than Billy McNeill - an incredible total of 790 - and that is testament, not only to his dedication and devotion to the green and white hoops, but also an indication of his ability and value to the team," he said.
"He was Jock Stein's captain, and he led the team on the park to an extraordinary era of success, both in Scotland and in Europe, culminating in that incredible triumph on May 25, 1967 when Celtic became the Kings of Europe.
"Yet, despite all the success he enjoyed as a player, and later as manager, Billy, like his fellow Lisbon Lions, has remained a humble man who always sees himself, first and foremost, as a Celtic supporter.
Despite all the success he enjoyed as a player and manager, like his fellow Lisbon Lions, Billy has remained a humble man who always sees himself first and foremost as a Celtic supporter.
"I have had the honour and privilege of knowing Billy for many years now, and while there is sometimes caution offered in wanting to meet your heroes, in Billy's case he is everything you would ever expect from Celtic's greatest ever captain, and so much more, and every supporter who has met Billy over the years, whether at Celtic Park or at supporters' functions, would also testify to that.
"Billy's statue will stand at the beginning of the Celtic Way, proud and imposing - just as Billy was as a player - to welcome visitors to our stadium, and I am delighted to be part of this very special occasion."
