The humble heroes who roared like Lions...

RONNIE SIMPSON

Made his Queen’s Park debut at just 14. After completing his National Service, played for Third Lanark before joining Newcastle where he won the FA Cup in 1952 and 1955. Joined Hibernian in 1960 only to be released by Jock Stein four years later. Grabbed the second chance Stein afforded him at Celtic Park. Made Scotland debut at 36 in 3-2 win over then world champions England, a month before Lisbon. Retired through injury in 1970. Went on to manage Hamilton and was a Conservative councillor in Edinburgh in the 1970s. Died of a heart attack in 2004.

JIM CRAIG

Played for University of Glasgow while studying to become a dentist. Joined Celtic in 1963 on amateur terms to allow him to complete his studies. Having done so, he signed as a full professional in January 1965. Attacking style from full-back made him a perfect fit for the side Stein was shaping. His final got off to disastrous start as he tripped Renato Cappellini at the cost of a penalty. Redeemed himself by teeing up Tommy Gemmell’s equaliser. Won 15 major honours before playing for Hellenic FC in South Africa, Sheffield Wednesday and Waterford. A popular, authoritative voice on Celtic to this day.

BILLY McNEILL

Stein’s captain that day and one of the most revered figures in the club’s history. Signed from Blantyre Victoria in 1957, he would go on to win nine championships, seven Scottish Cups and six League Cups before ending his playing days with the only club he ever played for in 1975. Without question, though, the crowning moment came when he became the first captain of a British club to lift the European Cup. Would go on to successfully manage Celtic twice as well as having spells in charge of Clyde, Aberdeen, Manchester City and Aston Villa. Was recently disclosed he is suffering from dementia.

JOHN CLARK

Known as the ‘Brush’, his ability as sweeper beside the imperious McNeill gave Stein’s side a solid defensive base. The quiet man of the group, Chapelhall-born Clark joined in 1958 and was another whose career took off when Stein arrived from Hibernian in 1965. Such was Celtic’s dominance in Lisbon that he had little to do. Left Celtic in 1971 for a two-year stint at Morton that preceded retirement. Managed Cowdenbeath, Stranraer and Clyde. Has been the club’s kitman for two decades.

TOMMY GEMMELL

The man with the cannonball shot spent most of his time at Celtic as a left-back while being right-footed. The moment he swept Jim Craig’s cut-back past Giuliano Sarti to peg Inter back remains one of the club’s most iconic moments. Went on to play for Nottingham Forest, Miami Toros and Dundee — where he won the 1973-74 League Cup against Celtic. Managed Dundee and Albion Rovers twice. Passed away earlier this year after a short illness.

BOBBY MURDOCH

Stein’s decision to deploy him as a right-sided holding midfielder was a masterstroke. Range and accuracy of passing from deep was impeccable and still contributed a double-figure goals tally almost every season. In many respects, the most valuable player in the side. Struck the shot which allowed Stevie Chalmers to score the winnner. Also scored against Leeds in the 1970 semi-final yet won a paltry 12 caps for Scotland. Became Jack Charlton’s first signing for Middlesbrough in 1973. Briefly managed them in the early 80s. Died of a stroke in 2001, aged just 56.

BERTIE AULD

The man from Maryhill first joined Celtic in 1955 but his headstrong character saw him sold to Birmingham City in 1961. Won the 1963 League Cup with the Blues and played in the 1961 Inter-City Fairs Cup final with Roma. Returned to Celtic in 1965, weeks before Stein, and his energy and aggression made him the perfect partner for Murdoch. Started an impromptu rendition of The Celtic Song in the tunnel at Lisbon, which unnerved the Italians. Joined Hibs in 1971 before retiring two years later. Enjoyed a colourful managerial career with Partick Thistle, Hibs, Hamilton and Dumbarton. A legend among the Celtic support to this day.

JIMMY JOHNSTONE

Arguably the most skilful footballer Scotland has ever produced. Honed his skills while dribbling around milk bottles in his parents’ house while wearing pit boots. Signed for Celtic in 1961 but only established himself when Stein arrived four years later. Tormented defenders on the run to Lisbon and repeated the trick as Inter’s catenaccio was destroyed. Two weeks later, stole the show in front of 100,000 fans as Real Madrid played Celtic in Alfredo Di Stefano’s testimonial. Later played for San Jose Earthquakes, Sheffield United, Dundee, Shelbourne and Elgin but was only truly at home in a Celtic shirt. Voted club’s greatest-ever player. Lost fight against motor neurone disease in 2006.

STEVIE CHALMERS

Scored 236 goals over 13 years as Celtic’s centre-forward but none came close to his instinctive strike to deflect Murdoch’s shot away from Sarti with six minutes of the final remaining. Fast, intelligent and born with a poacher’s instinct, Chalmers was pretty much the complete striker. He enjoyed an almost telepathic understanding with the wide men like Johnstone. Left Celtic in 1971 and had spells with Morton and Partick Thistle before retiring in 1975. His son, Paul, would go on to play for Celtic.

BOBBY LENNOX

Born in Saltcoats, the Ayrshireman was dubbed the ‘foreigner’ in the all-conquering side that otherwise hailed from the Greater Glasgow area. Blessed with electric pace and a killer instinct in the box, the 301 goals he scored at Celtic make him their second all-time top scorer behind only Jimmy McGrory. Won 11 league medals with the Bhoys, as well as eight Scottish Cups and five League Cups. Bobby Charlton once said of him: ‘If I’d had Lennox in my team, I could have played forever. He was one of the best strikers I have ever seen.’ Still lives in Saltcoats.

WILLIE WALLACE

Top scorer at Hearts for four seasons, he was rumoured to be moving to Rangers in December 1966 when Stein took him to Celtic Park. Joe McBride’s untimely injury at Christmas meant Wallace did not have long to wait for his chance. Scored two goals in the first-leg win over Dukla Prague that put him on the way to sporting immortality within six months of joining the club. Played for Crystal Palace and Dumbarton. Has lived in Australia for the past 30 years.