1979

CELTIC’S hazardous trip to Kazakhstan this week is nothing to what they faced 37 years ago.

Drawn against Partizan Tirana in the European Cup, their journey to Albania really was a trip into the unknown.

The highly-secretive Communist state made the Hoops less than welcome.

Entry visas were at a bare minimum, players took their own food and there were even suggestions Danny McGrain would have to shave off his beard as Albanians didn’t allow facial hair for religious reasons.

In the event, the beard survived, Danny prepared for the tie with the gammon, bread and tea he had taken with him and Celtic escaped with a 1-0 defeat.

An Alan Sneddon OG in the return left Celtic struggling. But four goals before half-time ensured they made the next round.