Billy McNeill says it will be an emotional statue unveiling

Our greatest ever captain will be honoured on Saturday, and Billy McNeill is preparing for what he said will be an emotional but fantastic day.

McNeill captained Celtic to their greatest ever triumph in 1967 as they won the European Cup in Lisbon against Inter Milan.

As a fitting tribute, the club are unveiling a statute prior to this Saturday’s game at the front of The Celtic Way.

Cesar will join an illustrious list of historic figures in the club’s history including one of his fellow Lisbon Lions, Jimmy Johnstone.

The other two, Brother Walfrid and Jock Stein – the manager of the European Cup winning side, are already positioned outside Celtic Park, awaiting the arrival of another Celtic great.

Nobody has made more appearances than McNeill for the club – a total of 790 during his 18 years at the club.

Speaking to the official website ahead of the event that will take place at 1pm on Saturday, Mc Neill said:

I am sure Saturday will be a fantastic day for myself and my family, if somewhat emotional.

I have said this before, but when Peter contacted me regarding the statue I was completely taken by surprise and to now think that I will be honoured alongside such great men as Brother Walfrid, Jock Stein and my pal Jinky, really does fill me with great pride.

Celtic has been in my blood and a part of my life for so many years and to be recognised in this way by the club I love is truly humbling.

I asked John the sculptor to make me as handsome as possible!