Roy Aitken is regarded as one of Celtic’s greatest players. The strong defending midfielder worked his way through the youth ranks of Celtic Boys Club to join the first team in 1976. His Celtic career lasted until 1990 and he was captain from 1987-1989.

Roy was nicknamed “The Bear” by the Celtic support for his large frame and aggressive play. It was common to hear the chant “Feed the Bear” resound from the terraces of Celtic Park.

Not only was Roy well known for his defensive prowess, but he was a competent goal scorer when the opportunity arose.

When Celtic faced Dundee in a league match in the 87/88 season, Roy was moved back into central defence following the suspension of Mick McCarthy for a red card in the previous match against Hearts. Celtic dominated the game and at 4-0 up, Aitken decided to get his name on the score sheet. Receiving the ball in his own half, The Bear set off for goal, taking the ball past two players before crashing it into the bottom corner from outside the box.

Aitken’s goals weren’t just against lower teams in the league, however. In 1979, the final Old Firm derby of the season was also Celtic’s last league game and they had to win. They led Rangers by five points but the Ibrox side still had two games in hand. This meant a draw would suffice for the boys in blue, whereas the bhoys in green could secure another league championship and a place in Europe by winning the match.

By 66 minutes, Rangers were winning 2-1 and it looked as though the game and the league were over. But Celtic continued pushing for that equaliser and it came from The Bear after a pass from Davie Provan. Celtic went on to score two more goals in the dying minutes of the game to secure the league championship and that all-important place in Europe.

Roy scored 40 goals for Celtic during his career there but was better known for his defensive qualities, becoming the backbone of the team.

Aitken was capped 57 times for Scotland during his playing career and, after a short spell coaching the national team, he is now head coach with Birmingham City under his old rival and Scotland and Aberdeen team-mate Alex McLeish. Roy’s legacy lives on at Celtic and he regularly features in the clubs all-time XI polls.