FOR some it feel a burden. To wear Billy McNeill’s No.5 jersey, or shorts as it was when the great man played, would not be for everyone.

The other special number at Celtic is, of course, seven. Nobody in the current record-breaking squad has been deemed good enough to follow Jimmy Johnstone, Kenny Dalglish, Davie Provan and Henrik Larsson, which tells you a lot.

And now, after the passing of a man who had been the club’s most beloved figure, there is even talk of retiring the No.5 shirt.

After all, who can hope to live up Cesar? And spare a thought for the poor guy who has to do just that at least until the end of this season.

Well, Jozo Simunovic is that man. He doesn’t see it as a burden. The Croat believes it would an “honour” and “joyful” to pay tribute to Big Billy in his own small way.

Simunovic acted with real class yesterday when he addressed the media about a clearly sensitive subject, about a legend he hardly knew, understandably so, but one who’d had an effect on him.

This non-Scot spoke not from a script but from the heart. As if he were a Glaswegian brought up on Billy McNeill , Celtic captain and manager. He said all the right things.

“The news was a big shock,” said Simunovic. “Billy McNeill was such an amazing player for this club and someone who played such a big part in its history.

“He played so many games here and was such a huge figure. When we heard what had happened it was so sad.

“I will never forget the image of him as the guy, the man who lifted the European Cup trophy. He was No.5 so it’s stays in my head, that picture. I would say it feels personal for me a little bit because I wear that shirt now. He was such a leader, such a legend and I am the one with his number on my top.

“It’s nice for me to think about that. It’s an honour and something that makes me feel good, that I have the number of the biggest guy in the club’s history. For me it’s joyful.

“I know there has been talk of the No.5 being retired at the end of the season and I understand that. I’d be happy to keep wearing it of course.

“But it’s not for me to decide and if the decision is taken by the important people at the club to take it away then I’ll be happy with that. Whatever they decide I will respect because of Billy. I would be happy to wear another number but while I have it I will wear it with pride.”

Simunovic admitted to be taken aback by the reaction to McNeill’s passing on Tuesday morning.

Tens of thousands, from the four corners of the earth, wanted to pay their respects. That doesn’t happen for many people.

“It has made such a big impression on myself that he managed to touch so many people around the world – he touched every single Celtic fan, every person who works in the club and even other clubs in other countries,” said Simunovic.

“That was surprising to me at first but, when I sat down and checked what he did for Celtic over the years, I realised what a big part he has played in the club’s history so the reaction is to be expected.

“I met him once, just shaking hands in passing. I was taken aback because I knew who he was so it was a big pleasure for me to meet him in person.

“This game will mean more because I have his number on my shirt and that gives me great pleasure but it’s not just about me. The other players feel it, too. My emotion and my pride will be the same as always when I play but this will be a different type of game because Billy has passed. But I’ll give everything.”

A way to honour McNeill would be for Celtic to score from a set-piece against Kilmarnock today. That is what the big man was excellent at, getting his head to a ball from cross which left some poor goalkeeper utterly helpless to prevent a goal.

It’s just an idea.

“Maybe tomorrow I will get one,” said Simunovic. “I have been thinking about that this week. I’ve seen some footage of the teams he played in and the happiness and the pride they had is something else.

“I would definitely dedicate the goal to Billy.

“It has been a long time since we scored from a corner. Last week, I almost scored and it was a brilliant save from the goalkeeper. So we are getting closer every game. “

And just when you thought this season for Celtic could not get more poignant, the day of the Scottish Cup final, when the club can get this long-talked about treble Treble, is May 25. Of course it is.

“It is still a bit far away to think of that. Let’s go game by game first,” said Simunovic. “But that is going to be an amazing day.

“Now we have even more impulse to try and win the final – for this guy who did everything for this club. That’s definitely the case.”

There were other matters on the agenda. Simunovic is playing well again. Celtic could win the league this weekend. There is also the continued debate about Neil Lennon.

But none of it seemed all that important this week.