Sharing memories of Jinky

JIMMY JOHNSTONE would be Celtic’s Messi if he was playing today.

Lisbon Lion John Clark, a team-mate and close friend of the late great winger, believes Jinky would be more than a match for anyone in the modern game.

He said: “Jimmy’s control of the ball was exceptional. If he was playing now he’d be a superstar.

“It was a different era, of course, but you can’t change the skill of a person.

“He was our Messi back in the day. Jimmy could do anything with a ball.

“I know it’s a big statement but with a ball at his feet, I don’t think Jinky would be second to anybody.”

Clark, 75, still works helping to organise Celtic’s kit and has contributed to a new documentary about Johnstone that airs this week.

It’s 50 years since the Hoops started their campaign that would end with them becoming the first British club to lift the European Cup.

The current side take on Manchester City in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

Clark (above) believes they have one player who reminds him of Jinky, but only slightly.

He said: “I like the players where you think: ‘on you go and dribble’.

“It gets people off their seats and they feel like they’re being entertained.

“Patrick Roberts at Celtic is a bit like that.

“He’s quite prepared to take people on and the fans like watching that.

“But I don’t think there’s too many in Scotland like Jinky these days.

“Ach, there’s nobody in Scotland like him.”

Clark revealed that Jinky never let his lack of height – he was only 5ft 2in – hold him back.

He said: “I saw him knock out three players in his career, floored them. “So he could handle himself. “There was one game when Jinky’s head was down and his opponent brought his knee up and just smashed him in the face. Still he kept coming back for more.”

Clark can’t stop smiling when he thinks of his late friend and the documentary includes his recollection that Jinky had a interest in UFOs and aliens!