CELTIC legend Bobby Lennox is to undergo triple heart bypass surgery.

The 70-year-old Lisbon Lion was admitted to hospital earlier this week and is preparing for the operation.

Lennox was part of the Celtic side which lifted the European Cup in 1967 by beating Inter Milan in Lisbon.

Yesterday the club and its supporters sent their best wishes to the former striker.

A statement from the club said: "Everyone at Celtic would like to pass on our very best wishes to Lisbon Lion, Bobby Lennox, who is to undergo triple heart bypass surgery.

"A Celtic legend, and also the second top goal scorer in the club's history, Bobby remains an extremely popular figure around Celtic Park on match days and is idolised by his fellow supporters.

"The Celtic family's thoughts and best wishes are with Bobby and his family at this time."

A spokesman for fans group The Celtic Network said: "Everyone connected to The Celtic Network would like to send Bobby Lennox and his family our best wishes. The 'Buzzbomb' is to undergo a triple heart bypass over the next few days. Bobby will be in our thoughts and prayers."

Lennox, originally from Saltcoats, Ayrshire, made more than 300 appearances during two spells at Celtic in the 1960s and 1970s. He scored 273 goals in all competitions, second only to Celtic's all time top scorer Jimmy McGrory's total of 468 goals.

He was voted in the Parkhead club's greatest ever side and also gained 10 caps for Scotland.