Celtic announce plans for statue of Billy McNeill

Celtic have announced that a bronze statue of Billy McNeill will be erected outside Celtic Park to mark the achievements of the club's greatest captain.

Work on the statue will begin immediately and it is hoped it will be unveiled on the Celtic Way - the recently-opened walkway leading to the ground - later this year.

McNeill won nine league championship titles (all in a row), seven Scottish Cups, six League Cups and was skipper of the first British team to win the European Cup in 1967. He was named the Scottish Footballer of the Year in season 1964/65, the first recipient of the award.

During two spells as Celtic manager - between 1978-1983 and 1987-1991 - McNeill won four league championships, three Scottish Cups and one League Cup.

The 75-year-old, a regular at Celtic Park in his role as a club ambassador, said: "When Peter (Lawwell, chief executive) contacted me regarding the statue I was completely taken by surprise.

"Whenever I walk up the Celtic Way, I look on with a great sense of pride at the sight of Brother Walfrid (the club's founding father), Big Jock and my old team-mate and friend Jinky (Jimmy Johnstone) rightly taking their place almost as guardians of Celtic Park.

"Every time I look back at this special club's history and what we achieved it fills me with joy, and now to be told I am to be honoured beside these Celtic greats, this really is a special day for me and all my family."

Lawwell said: "We are delighted already to have Billy as our ambassador at the club but the board felt unanimously that he should recognised in this way, given all that he has contributed to Celtic over so many years."