Burns laments loss of 'icon'

Celtic first-team coach Tommy Burns believes the late Jimmy Johnstone enjoyed the same iconic status as George Best.

The Hoops legend passed away yesterday morning aged 61 after a long battle with motor neurone disease.

Former Manchester United and Northern Ireland star Best died in November.

The Scotland assistant manager believes Johnstone will be forever revered at Celtic Park as the Glasgow giants consider an appropriate tribute to the winger.

Burns told the club’s official website, www.celticfc.net: “The club was a big part of Jimmy’s life and he would go to supporters’ functions.

“He was a real Celtic fan and was revered at this club. The fans idolised him and it was a great relationship.”

Burns added: “He had a God-given talent but he also worked very hard in terms of stamina, strength and speed in order to use that talent at the highest level.

“He was similar to George Best in that he was an icon of his era and people think they’ll always be there.

“Jimmy was everyone’s favourite player because of the magical things he could do with the ball.

“He could take players out of the game, and top coaches are always looking for players who are great in one-on-one situations. Jimmy was great in one-on-four or one-on-five situations.

“I’m sure the late great Jock Stein would have been the first to say that Jimmy was a special talent in a team full of special players.”