One of Celtic’s greatest ever players, today would have been Jimmy ‘Jinky’ Johnstone’s 81st birthday.
Born on September 30, 1944, in Viewpark, his Celtic legacy was cemented with a bronze statue of the former Scotland international in 2008, which still proudly outside the Parkhead main entrance in honour of the great man.
A key figure in the Lisbon Lions team of 1967, the winger also won nine league titles, four Scottish Cups, and five Scottish League Cups during his time with Celtic, before he left for San Jose Earthquakes in 1975. Capped 23 times by the Scotland national team, he also represented Sheffield United, Dundee, Shelbourne, and Elgin City during a supremely successful 17-year career.
Sadly passing away on March 13, 2006, after a five-year battle with motor neuron disease (MND), Johnstone is sadly missed by the footballing world, and continues to be heralded as one of Celtic’s most cherished players of all time.
Here are 13 of the best quotes about the man himself from footballing great, such as Pele, Sir Alex Ferguson, and Martin O’Neill.
5. Former Rangers and Scotland legend Jim Baxter on Johnstone...
"Jinky was a bit special. The wee man would beat three players then turn around and beat them again – just for the hell of it. If you wanted a breather, Jinky was your man. You gave him the ball and let him run around for a minute, and in big games, a minute was an eternity. But, oh, what a heart wee Johnstone had." | SNS Group 0141 221 3602
6. Former Celtic teammate Billy McNeill on Johnstone...
"Jimmy was a lovely wee man and was a team-mate and a friend to all of us. I was lucky enough to play alongside him but I have as much respect for the courageous way he handled his illness. He loved the Celtic fans. This news is devastating for everyone.” | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
7. Scotland's record goal-scorer Kenny Dalglish on Johnstone...
"Wee Jimmy was a fantastic player, someone everyone looked up to. His character and personality matched his ability as a player. He was a brilliant wee guy with a great sense of humour having loads of fun winding people up. If he was a legend to many supporters, he was also a legend to many players that played for Celtic as well." | SNS Group 0141 221 3602
8. Former Celtic and Scotland teammate Lou Macari on Johnstone...
"It was wonderful to have played alongside Jimmy and he looked after me. He trained well, worked hard and had a great attitude towards the game. All football fans should watch the television over the next few days just to see how good he really was" | SNS Group 0141 221 3602