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Johannes Edvaldsson: Former Celtic defender dies aged 70

Edvaldsson made 195 appearances for the club between 1975 and 1980; during that time he won two league titles and one Scottish Cup; he left to play in the United States before returning to join Motherwell

Former Celtic defender Johannes Edvaldsson has died aged 70
Image: Former Celtic defender Johannes Edvaldsson has died aged 70

Former Celtic defender Johannes Edvaldsson has died at the age of 70.

Edvaldsson, who was affectionately known as 'Shuggy,' was signed by Jock Stein in 1975 and went on to make 195 appearances for the club over the next five years scoring 38 goals.

The Iceland international won two league titles and one Scottish Cup with Celtic including the league and cup double in 1977.

He also played his part in the 1979 title triumph when the Hoops beat Rangers 4-2 to become champions, an occasion that will be remembered as the night Celtic's 10 men won the league.

Edvaldsson left the club in 1980 to join Tulsa Roughnecks in the United States but returned to Scotland two years later joining Motherwell for two seasons.

Former Hoops team-mate Murdo Macleod tweeted: "Very sad to hear of the passing of Johannes "Big Shuggie" Edvaldsson. Big part of the team when we beat Rangers 4-2 to win the league in 1979. My thoughts are with his family."

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