Brendan Rodgers pays special tribute after one-of-a-kind Celtic legend dies aged 78

Brendan Rodgers has paid tribute to Tommy Callaghan - the only player Jock Stein ever signed twice.

Celtic legend Callaghan has passed away at the age of 78. Stein first signed him for Dunfermline from Lochore Welfare in 1962, where he starred alongside brother Willie, winning the Scottish Cup in 1968. Callaghan left Fife for Stein’s Celtic in a £35,000 deal later that year and the midfielder scored 34 goals in 264 games for Celtic, winning six titles, five Scottish Cups and three League Cups before his departure in 1976.

Rodgers said: “I had a message this morning from young Tommy, his son, to say his dad had passed away, so all our thoughts and condolences are with Tommy. I think any player that’s been signed twice by Jock Stein tells you how good a player he was and it’s always sad. I bumped into Tommy only a few weeks back.

“A sad day but a real legend of the club and all our thoughts are with his family.”

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A Celtic statement read: “His heart was always at Celtic Park and he was still a regular at every game as a matchday host with the club. The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Celtic Club are with Tommy’s friends and family at this sad time.”

A Dunfermline statement read: “Everyone at the club shares their condolences with the family, friends and team mates of Tommy at this difficult time.”

Callaghan ended his career as a player/manager with Galway Rovers in 1978-79. His son, Tommy, played for 10 Scottish clubs including Kilmarnock, Stirling, Livingston, Partick Thistle and, briefly, Dunfermline.

A statement from Clydebank read: “Very sad to hear former Bankie Tommy Callaghan has passed away aged 78. Tommy joined us from Celtic in 1976 and was part of the side who gained promotion to the old Premier Division, scoring five goals across 42 appearances. Our thoughts are with Tommy’s family and friends.”

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