JOZO Simunovic's winning goal days after the passing of Billy McNeill is already part of Celtic history.

The Croat gave his jersey to the McNeill family after an emotional and poignant afternoon which ended with a 1-0 win over Kilmarnock and eight in a row all-but won.

He spoke on Friday about his dream to score with a header for the man knowns as Cesar and that he did it wearing the No.5 jersey and with 67 minutes on the scoreboard means that it's one of the moments which will never be forgotten.

Simunovic said: "It was a special moment, it's the favourite moment in my Celtic career.

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“I was surprised on the bus before the game when I saw so many fans. I couldn't have imagined something like that. That gave me an impulse to give even more in this game.

“I believed it would be a special day for me because of the number five. For everyone, it meant a lot but for me it was special.

“The manager spoke to us about Billy before the game to help inspire us. Everyone knows how big a name he is at this club and the impact he had on Celtic.

“He was a leader, an amazing guy.

“Before the game we had a meeting where the manager said a few things about him. That motivated us even more.

“Some people will say that I'm lucky to score with the number five on 67 minutes. But I say I'm blessed. I believe in that."

Simunovic admitted he had no idea the significance of the time of his header which made sure Celtic took three points from a nervous day for the champions.

READ MORE: Celtic 1 Kilmarnock 0: Fairytale No.5 goal after 67 minutes takes Celtic to brink of title on emotional day

He said: "First, when I scored, I didn’t even watch on screen. I had something on my mind and I’m going to keep that for myself, what I said.

"But, when they start with the ball from half pitch, I turned around and thought ‘you know, maybe it’s that minute’. And it actually was it. It made me even happier.

"Trophies are special, but for me this is something else. I had a chat with Billy’s family after and that gave me even more reasons to remember all of this."