John Clark, the Celtic Lisbon Lion, will unfurl the Ladbrokes Premiership flag at Celtic Park this Saturday along with club chairman Ian Bankier.
And the European Cup winner, who made 318 appearances in 13 years for the Parkhead club after first signing in 1958, will receive a rapturous reception from the Celtic supporters when he steps out on to the pitch before the game.
Clark remains at the club to this day, having worked in every decade since the 1950s, and he is not only a reminder to each generation of Celtic players of the incredible heights the club achieved both in Scotland and in Europe, but as an example of the standards required to be a Celtic player.
And Bankier was quick to point out how worthy an individual Clark is to be presented the honour of unfurling the league flag. “There can be very few men more deserving of this magnificent honour,” Bankier said. “John is someone who has served the Club with absolute distinction over so many years and in so many roles.
“I’m sure John and his family will enjoy this day and I’m sure all our supporters will join me in warmly welcoming John on to the pitch and congratulating him once again on such wonderful service to our great Club.”
And the ever-humble Clark expressed his delight at being given the opportunity to take to the Celtic Park turf in celebration once more.
“I am very humbled and surprised to be asked to perform this honour, but it is something I am really looking forward to,” the Parkhead legend said. “Ronny and the team have done a brilliant job in making it four-in-a-row for the club and I hope we can go on to make it many more.
“Celtic has been everything to me and my family over so many years and this will be a tremendous honour to be part of this ceremony.
“Over the years I have been privileged to have been part of so many great Celtic occasions and I am sure Saturday will be another one of these great days.”
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