Former Celtic and St Mirren goalkeeper Denis Connaghan has died aged 79 following a battle with illness

The shot-stopper played for the Parkhead side for six years across two spells between 1963 and 1977.

Connaghaun enjoyed seven years in Paisley after leaving Celtic for the first time before returning to feature under Jock Stein

He lifted three league titles and the Scottish Cup during his time at Celtic and played in the infamous European Cup semi-final 'shame game" against Atletico Madrid in 1974.

 The goalkeeper also also had spells at Morton, Clyde, Renfrew and Arthurlie, while spending several months on loan at Yoker Athletic in 1963.

In a club statement, the Scottish champions said: "Everyone at Celtic is saddened to hear of the death of former goalkeeper, Denis Connaghan, who has passed away at the age of 79.

"Over a six-year period between 1971 and ’77, Denis played 56 times for Celtic, winning three league titles, the Scottish Cup in 1974 and also the Drybrough Cup that same year.

"He actually began his football career with Celtic back in 1963, but left the club a year later. He would go on to spend seven years with St Mirren before returning to Paradise when Jock Stein signed him in October 1971.

"He made his debut that same month in a 2-1 league win against Dunfermline Athletic at East End Park, and he would go on to make 14 appearances that season, helping the Hoops win their seventh league title in a row.

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"During his time at Celtic, he competed with Evan Williams and Ally Hunter for the No.1 jersey, and he was in the side which took on Atletico Madrid in the 1974 European Cup semi-final, playing in both legs.

"He was also in the starting XI when the Hoops beat Dundee United 3-0 at Hampden to win the Scottish Cup in 1974, while the previous week he had been part of the team which drew 1-1 away to Falkirk to clinch the club’s ninth successive league title.

"Denis also famously saved two penalties against Rangers in the 1974 Drybrough Cup final shoot-out – Celtic’s only success in that short-lived competition.

"Denis’ last game for Celtic came on October 6, 1976 in a 5-0 home win over Albion Rovers in the second leg of the League Cup quarter-final."