Celtic legend Jimmy Johnstone dies

Celtic captain Billy McNeill lifts the European Cup after a 2-1 victory over Inter Milan in 1967. Scottish winger Jimmy Johnstone -- one of the key players in Celtic's team -- has died after a long fight against motor neurone disease.

Celtic legend Jimmy Johnstone has died aged 61 after a long fight against motor neurone disease.

The former Scotland winger was a key player as Celtic became the first British club to win the European Cup when they beat Inter Milan 2-1 in 1967, earning the nickname the Lisbon Lions' for their exploits in the final in Portugal.

Billy McNeill, who captained the Hoops team to continental glory, insists Johnstone will "be revered" by Parkhead supporters of all ages as one of the club's greatest-ever players.

He told Sky Sports News: "It's a very sad morning. When Agnes, his wife, phoned we were devastated to hear the news but Jimmy didn't deserve to suffer any more.

"He faced up to things square on and he fought this illness, unfortunately this one he couldn't beat. He was brilliant, he wasn't just skilful, he was a powerful little man, brave as a lion, and his fitness was remarkable.

"He was a very good goalscorer, he loved the adulation of the crowd and he was a real Celtic man."

Recounting Johnstone's role in the European Cup triumph, McNeill added: "Jimmy practically played Inter Milan on his own; he was up and down the pitch and the minute our defence got the ball he would look to free himself. There was nothing he was ever frightened of, he was brilliant."

Charlie Nicholas, who grew up watching Johnstone's exploits before playing for the Hoops himself from 1979 to 1983, added: "Jinky was like George Best. He was an absolute genius.

"There were many great players in the Lisbon Lions team but he was the key individual - he was a trickster, he was a personality. He was mesmerising to watch at times, and it's such a sad, sad day."