Celtic icon to make very rare Parkhead appearance as he takes on major role before Sunday's big league kick-off
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CELTIC will unfurl the league championship flag before Sunday's big Premiership kick-off against St Mirren on Sunday.
And the Hoops will be welcoming back a true club legend to do the honours.
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Celtic secured a fourth consecutive Premiership title last season
Credit: Kenny Ramsay
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Paul McStay is on his way back to Celtic Park
Credit: Alamy
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He'll be unfurling the flag just like Jim Craig did last year
Credit: Kenny Ramsay
Brendan Rodgers led Celtic to a fourth consecutive title last season, the 55th league triumph in the club's history.
As is tradition, the championship flag will be unfurled before the first league match of the season.
The Hoops get their 2025/26 league campaign underway against St Mirren on Sunday afternoon.
Each year, someone is given the honour of unfurling the flag.
Last year, it was Lisbon Lion Jim Craig who received the big gig.
In 2023, James Forrest was given the honour in recognition of his long service to the club.
This year, Celtic are bringing in a true big hitter to do the honours.
Celts icon Paul McStay is the man who will be tasked with unfurling the flag this year.
It'll mark a rather rare Parkhead appearance for the 60-year old who spent his entire career with Celtic.
McStay made 515 league appearances for the Hoops between 1981 and 1997.
Nicolas Kuhn poses for selfies with Celtic fans as he greets team-mates and Brendan Rodgers at Como Cup
Nicknamed 'The Maestro,' McStay won three league titles, four Scottish Cups and one League Cup as a Celtic player.
He's widely regarded as one of the club's greatest ever players.
Capped 76 times by Scotland, McStay left the country in 2010.
He emigrated to Australia with his wife and children and settled in Sydney.
Given he's on the other side of the world, McStay isn't often seen at Celtic Park these days.
So his appearance back at Parkhead this Sunday will no doubt be a special one for the Hoops supporters.
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On McStay's return, Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers said: "Paul was a great player. He always gave you hope watching Celtic.
"You always felt that, in those tough times when Celtic maybe suffered a bit, he could produce that moment of magic.
"He was a brilliant player, a really humble guy and I have been fortunate enough to have met him.
"That was a real privilege and a real honour for me.
"He will get an incredible reception, and it will be amazing to see him again."
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