EX-CELTIC defender Ian Young has passed away at the age of 76.
The former Hoops star scored three times in 133 games for the Parkhead club between 1961 and 1968.
Ian (top left) sits next to Tommy Gemmell, John Fallon, Bobby Murdoch, Billy McNeill and John Clark in 1965Credit: Getty Images
He was a key player in Jock Stein’s early years, starring in the 1965 Scottish Cup win which ended Celts’ eight-year trophy drought.
But injuries saw Young – born in Neilston, Renfrewshire – lose his place at right-back to future Lisbon Lion Jim Craig.
The Scottish champions said: “Everyone at Celtic Park was saddened to hear that former Celt, Ian Young who played for the club from 1961 until 1968, passed away suddenly after illness at the age of 76.
“Had it not been for an untimely injury, Ian Young may well have been part of the Lisbon Lions side that swept Inter Milan aside in May, 1967, and he could have enjoyed a more prolonged career with Celtic.
“As it was, his misfortune allowed the likes of Willie O’Neill and then Jim Craig a chance to shine at right-back, and it was the latter who would establish himself in the position and take to the field in the Estadio Nacional
“Seeking first-team football, the defender eventually departed Paradise for Love Street in 1968, where cruciate ligament damage would cruelly cut short his professional career at just 27.
“Nonetheless, Young, could quite rightly reflect on his Celtic career with great pride.
“He was a regular in the side when Jock Stein arrived at the club and helped Celtic end an era of underachievement to become the dominant force in Scottish football.
“Young starred in the important 1965 Scottish Cup triumph – the club’s first trophy in eight long years – and he was also in the team which overcame Rangers in the League Cup final of the same year.
“This was another significant turning point.
“And while he wasn’t at Fir Park to join in the celebrations as the Hoops won the first of nine successive titles in 1966, he certainly played a vital role in that success.
“Joining from Neilston Waverley in June, 1961, Young was also farmed out to Neilston Juniors, and he scored three goals in 133 Celtic games before his move to St Mirren.
“The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Celtic Football Club are with the family and friends of Ian Young at this sad time.”
Billy McNeill given heroes send-off as thousands line Celtic Park and Glasgow town centre to say farewell
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
