Scottish football legend Danny McGrain deserves all our best wishes following Alzheimer's diagnosis

Danny McGrain seen with John Barnes during a Celtic vs Liverpool legends charity match in 2006 (Picture: Jeff J Mitchell) | Getty Images

The family of Danny McGrain has revealed the Celtic and Scotland footballing legend was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease “some time ago”. Their reason for making this sad news public spoke volumes about his character.

“Danny has always loved helping supporters – whether through hospital visits, assisting fans with charity events, or sending messages of support. As time has gone on, that has become more difficult for Danny, so we wanted to explain his situation with honesty, and with the care and respect the Celtic family has always shown us,” they said.

Celtic said the 76-year-old, who played for the club a remarkable 663 times between 1970 and 1987 and won 62 Scotland caps, remained in “good spirits, enjoying time with his loved ones, following the game, and staying close to the club he holds so dear”.

One of Scotland’s greatest ever defenders, his quality as a player was reflected by the fact, in five games at the World Cup, he never lost. His qualities as a human being are soon apparent to anyone who meets him: courteous, kind and humble. We wish him and his family all the very best.