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Bobby Carroll, the scorer of Celtic's first European goal, dies aged 77

Celtic Way, where statue of Billy McNeill will join those of Brother Walfrid, Jock Stein and Jimmy Johnstone
Image: Celtic Park

Former Celtic winger Bobby Carroll has died just two days short of his 78th birthday.

Carroll, who played outside-right for the Hoops, was the first player to score for the club in European competition.

He scored twice in a 4-2 defeat to holders Valencia in the first leg of an Inter-Cities Fairs Cup (now the Europa League) tie at the Mestalla Stadium in September 1962.

Carroll ended his six-year stay at Celtic Park when he moved to St Mirren in 1963. After two years in Paisley, he joined Dundee United and had brief spells with Coleraine and Queen of the South before retiring from senior football.

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He ended his career in football back where he started with Ayrshire junior club Irvine Meadow.

In a statement on the club's website, Celtic said: "Everyone at Celtic is saddened to hear of the death of former player Bobby Carroll who has passed away at the age of 77.

"Bobby, who played for Celtic between 1959-63, made 78 appearances, scoring 28 goals. His most famous goal, and one which assured his place in the Celtic history books, came on September 26, 1962 in the first round of the Fairs Cities Cup against Valencia.

"The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Celtic are with Bobby's wife, Ann, his family and friends at this very sad time."

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