CELTIC legend Jimmy Johnstone played one of his best ever games for Celtic, and his own personal favourite, on this day in 1969 but, amazingly, he never got on the scoresheet in a wonderful 7-2 win for the Hoops. Dundee United were the visitors for this midweek league game, and the 26,000 crowd saw that the Tannadice side were given an early warning of Celtic’s intentions when Bertie Auld opened the scoring after only two minutes with a header. Harry Hood added the second in the 16th minute and although United pulled one back less than 10 minutes later, the Hoops added another two goals before the break.

The first came from the spot and Tommy Gemmell slotted it away in the 40th minute before John Hughes also found the net two minutes later. The half-time score stood at 4-1 for Celtic with Jinky pulling the strings in a devastating display by both him and his inspired team-mates. Willie Wallace scored a double soon after the turnaround to make it 6-1 before the visitors pulled another goal back. It was Bobby Murdoch who made the final score 7-2 with what was probably the pick of the bunch when he sent a screamer into the net to finish the scoring for the evening. Such was the level of the performance that Jock Stein said: “Since the institution of the club in 1888, I doubt if Celtic fans have seen a finer display. This must rank with the greatest.” Dundee United manager Jerry Kerr said: “You don’t mind losing – to the world’s greatest team.” However, perhaps the highest personal tribute to Jinky’s performance, and one that he always remembered, was that former Rangers player Davie Wilson who was part of the team that had just been ravaged by the Celts, stood by the tunnel waiting for Jimmy to wave his thanks to The Jungle before lifting the Wee Man up to the crowd in honour of his display.

IN recent weeks the club has been aware of a number of incidents

of supporters standing throughout matches at Celtic Park.

This is a matter which rightly the club has taken very seriously,

however, unfortunately this has continued at recent games.

In order to address this matter, the club are working with the

Stadium Safety Team and Strathclyde Police and are insisting that

all supporters sit down during matches.

Sitting at matches is a stadium regulation. Clearly, to ensure a

safe and enjoyable experience at Celtic Park, it is vitally

important that the stadium regulations and safety instructions are

adhered to.

The club, in partnership with the police, are treating this issue

with the utmost seriousness and we ask all supporters attending

Celtic Park to note this advice.

A spokesperson for the club said: "Clearly, the comfort and safety

of spectators is our primary concern and it is essential that the

issue of standing is addressed

“Celtic Park is designed specifically as an all-seater stadium and

the Safety Certificate for operating has been approved and issued

on this basis.

“Persistent standing is a real safety risk and could ultimately

result in the Safety Certificate, which is required to open the

stadium, being revoked.

“It is vital that this matter is taken very seriously and that

supporters, for their own safety and the safety of others, sit down

during matches."

A spokesperson for Strathclyde Police said: "The issue of

standing during matches is one which must be taken very

seriously.

“There have been a number of examples of this in recent weeks at

Celtic Park and this cannot be allowed to continue.

“For their own safety and the safety of others, all supporters

should sit down during matches.

“The Stadium Safety Team are rightly taking a very close interest

in this matter. Celtic FC, Strathclyde Police and the Safety Team

do not wish in any way to prevent supporters from enjoying

football matches, however, the safety of those attending must be

paramount at all times."

In addition, to ensure that particular stadium areas do not become

overcrowded and congested it is essential that all supporters sit

only in the seat for which their season ticket or match ticket is

intended.

This will give all supporters the opportunity to enjoy the match in

a safe and comfortable environment, something we all want.

Both the club and Strathclyde Police sincerely appreciate the

co-operation of all supporters.

Paddy McCourt insists he is in the best shape of his career and ready to bolster Celtic's bid to win the Clydesdale Bank Premier League title.

The Irishman has been troubled by injuries since joining the Hoops but claims he is now fully fit and ready to make an impact.

The winger, who celebrated his 27th birthday yesterday, hopes to have a major role to play as Celtic bid to wrest the championship from Rangers' grasp.

He said: "I'm feeling great at the moment. I'm as fit as I've ever been in my career and I'm really enjoying my football.

"I'm just hoping to cement my place in the team and help them push on.

"Heading into the new year it's a really important time for us and we want to get on a winning run again."

McCourt hopes that winning run begins on Saturday with a lunchtime kick-off at Hamilton, as Celtic bid to improve on their recent poor form.

They squandered a two-goal lead as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Inverness at Parkhead and also had to settle for a point against Dundee United.

Severe weather conditions have denied Celtic game-time for almost three weeks, since the clash with Caley Thistle, and McCourt admits they are desperate for a return to action.

With Rangers' own game against St Mirren postponed because of significant water damage at Ibrox, a win would allow Neil Lennon's men to move level with their rivals at the top of the SPL.

McCourt told celticfc.net: "Everybody's looking forward to the game.

"It'll be three weeks on Saturday since we've had a game and obviously the last game we played ended on a sour note, throwing away a two-goal lead, so we're all desperate to get back out there.

"Hamilton's a hard place to go and win and I haven't seen us go there and win easily at all."

The Irishman handed boss Lennon another reminder of what he is capable of by netting a wonder goal against Inverness.

But McCourt says the effort now counts for nothing as far he is concerned after Celtic failed to secure the victory.

He said: "As much as it's nice to score at Celtic Park, I can't look back and enjoy it now.

"I did enjoy scoring it at the time but, because we threw away a good position, it doesn't mean anything to me."