Lisbon Lion Bertie Auld rallies Celtic players ahead of Glasgow Derby

By Euan Davidson

March 19, 2021

There are few in Celtic history as lovable as Bertie Auld.

The Lisbon Lion is very much still a fan-favourite. In normal times, it’s not unusual to see Auld chatting to supporters before and after Celtic matches. Beloved by all who support Celtic, the popular former midfielder is remembered fondly as the man who sang “The Celtic Song” [YouTube] in the tunnel before our 1967 triumph.

Still as charismatic and entertaining as ever, Auld has spoken to the club prior to this Sunday’s Glasgow Derby. In an interview for the official match programme, the Lisbon Lion has emphasised the need for attacking football.

Auld told Celtic FC:

“They always have everything to play for.

“All the Celtic fans will be watching them and encouraging them on and they’ll want to deliver for the fans. They’ll want to put on a show and give the fans good performances. As big Jock used to say, go and entertain! They have the ability to do that, they wouldn’t be at Celtic if they didn’t.

“This is a game that you must read very quickly and the first quarter of an hour is always so important. Momentum is so important but so are those 50/50 balls. Big Jock would always tell us to win those and that helps you get a hold of the game.”

Bertie Auld: a bona fide Celtic legend / (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

Bertie Auld is bang-on: Celtic must attack from first whistle

It’s unlikely any of us at 67 Hail Hail would have the temerity to argue with a club legend like Auld. Luckily, then, he’s absolutely right about Sunday.

While there are tactical things Kennedy can do with his side, passion and energy are absolutely vital. How nice it would be, after a frustrating season of dreadful football, to see Celtic entertain us against our fiercest rivals? Knocking Gerrard’s side off their perch and ending a league unbeaten run would be very sweet indeed.

Auld won more than his share of derbies; he knows exactly what’s required. And he did it in a team playing “pure, beautiful, inventive football” under Jock Stein.

The Bhoys would do well to listen to someone who’s been there and won it all. A win would be huge on Sunday, regardless of the league permeations (or lack thereof).

READ MORE: Fans won’t agree, but KT has had his say.