[Player Pics]

Goalkeeper Denis Connaghan first joined Celtic on provisional terms as a youngster in May 1963 but was released by the club less than a year later.

He initially went on to play junior football but eventually returned to Celtic Park in October 1971 after making a name for himself at senior level with St Mirren.

Brought by Jock Stein to compete with the inconsistent Evan Williams, Connaghan made his debut for the Bhoys in a 2-1 league win at Dunfermline on October 27th 1971.

A steady if unspectacular performer, Denis never really established himself as the automatic first choice No1 and he spent most of his time at Parkhead battling Williams and latterly Ally Hunter for a first team start.

He did however play in the 1974 Scottish Cup final winning side and was in the team that clinched a ninth successive league title.

Denis was released by Celtic in April 1977 by which time he had made 56 appearances and kept 22 clean sheets. A likeable individual, Connaghan had been a faithful servant to the Bhoys who never once complained of his constant shuttling between first team and reserves.