When it comes to Celtic, there is perhaps nobody more engrained in the club that Billy McNeill. He captained The Hoops to their most famous triumph, the European Cup final over Inter Milan in 1967.
The man affectionately referred to as 'Cesar' spent the entirety of his 18-year playing career in Glasgow, before going on to manage the club on two separate occasions.
The news of McNeill's passing earlier this week was met with an outpouring of grief from all those associated with Celtic, but also allowed everyone to look back at the fond memories he had provided them with over the years.
Neil Lennon's side took to the field this afternoon for the first time since McNeill's death, taking on Kilmarnock at Parkhead. Tributes was paid to their legendary number five before kick-off.
🦁5⃣ Paying tribute pre-#CELKIL to our greatest ever captain, Billy McNeill.
Rest in peace, Cesar. You'll Never Walk Alone 🍀⚪️ pic.twitter.com/dzbWX8QxMG— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) April 27, 2019
They would win the game 1-0, putting them on the cusp of an eighth successive SPL title. The circumstances of the winning goal were remarkable.
It was scored by defender Jozo Šimunović, Celtic's current number five, the number in which McNeill made his name. Incredibly, the goal was also scored after 67 minutes, a nod to McNeill's lifting of the European cup in 1967. What are the chances?
The number 5 scores for #Celtic in the 67 minute.
Divine intervention. Jozo predicted he would score to honour Cesar
A headed goal Billy McNeill would have been proud of , 🍀— Brian McNally (@McNallyMirror) April 27, 2019
Champions League-winners in 1967 🏆
And Billy McNeill wore the number 5 🙌
Today, Celtic's number 5 Jozo Simunovic scored the winner - after 67 minutes... https://t.co/y8jnWyYDyv pic.twitter.com/ILJes1NxQS— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) April 27, 2019
Speaking after the game, Neil Lennon said it was the perfect tribute to their former captain:
Amazing. The perfect way to win the game when you think of the circumstances.
Big man might’ve been looking down on us when we were needing a goal and Jozo Simunovic has been outstanding for me since I came in. I'm very pleased with the win.
The win leaves Celtic 12 points clear of Rangers having played 35 games, with Rangers having four matches left on their schedule. The Bhoys will be confirmed as champions should their city rivals fail to defeat Aberdeen tomorrow.
Failing that, Celtic will have the opportunity to wrap up the title against the same opposition in one week's time.
