Celtic 11 - 4 Tommy Burns XI​

​

​

Goalscorers:​

Celtic: Caldwell 5, 43, McDonald 8, 21, Vennegoor of Hesselink 31, McGeady 49, Donati 53, Ferry 57, Naylor 73, 83, 87

Tommy Burns Select: Cadete 14, Keane 17, Hartson 75, Walker 84

---​

Team Line-ups:​

​

CELTIC (4-3-3) Brown; Flood, Caldwell, O’Dea, Naylor; Donati, Crosas, Maloney; Vennegoor of Hesselink (Ferry 46), McDonald, Samaras (McGeady 46).

TOMMY BURNS SELECT (4-4-2) Bonner (Kerr 37); Boyd (Vata 30, Callaghan 72), McKay (Stubbs 44), Whyte (Baillie 44), McKinlay (Donnelly 60); Burns (Grant 25, Melville 72), Keane (Lambert 25, Feruz 61), Macleod (Johnson 34, Burns 87), Di Canio (Miller 34, McCluskey 61, Lennon 72); Cadete (Walker 54), Van Hooijdonk (Hartson 54).

---

Tributes​

Gordon Strachan was also present and was given a standing ovation when he spoke to the fans before the match, he said;

"I would like to thank the board, they have been truly magnificent. I would also like to thank the players."

"When I came here I didn't want to kiss the badge or the scarf and I didn't know the words to the Field of Athenry. Four years on I have to say you are the best supporters in the world."

Strachan then paid tribute to Tommy Burns, saying: "The unexpected bonus of being the Celtic manager is that I became best friends with the nicest man I've ever met. He helped me no end. If it wasn't for Tommy Burns my life wouldn't have been as full as it was."

At half time, those who watched the game on BBC Alba were treated to a marvellous 15 minute video tribute to Tommy Burns detailing his life as a player and showed great interviews of those who knew him.

Andy Walker spoke of when his team were beaten by Celtic during Tommy's playing days in a Cup final. He said "At full time we were in our dressing room and Tommy came in to applaud us for our efforts - because we were only a first division side at the time"

---​

The Game​

​

An afternoon filled with goals and laughter as players past and present paid tribute to the late, great Tommy Burns. The Tommy Burns Select consisted of ex-players who were either managed by or played with Tommy. Where in the current Celtic team, were the players who Tommy had brought up through the youth ranks of the club.

The game, as expected was played at a slow, but steady pace. The old players at times were showing glimpses of the good old days, with Cadete and Hartson both battling for goal of the game. Cadete scored with a lovely post and in effort after being played through by Pierre Van Hooijdonk, who was arguably the man of the match. Hartson's goal was a sweet lob from just inside the area, which clipped the underside of the bar and in.

Lee Naylor scored an unprecedented hat-trick from left back, with 3 neat lobs over Stuart Kerrs head, the Englishman looked joyous as the goal that completed the hat-trick seemed to be offside. Everyone in the stadium, and everyone watching at home thought it was offside - but the referee allowed it and his hat-trick stood.

Massimo Donati scored another lovely goal with the flick of a heel he lobbed Packie Bonner. The Italian had an outstanding game. The speed of the game was more suited to his style than what is seen in the SPL.

On a great day of sunshine, the fans were treated to a great show of exhibition football at its best. The match will also have raised a considerable amount for its three beneficiaries, the Burns family, the Tommy Burns Skin Cancer Trust and the Celtic Charity Fund. But more importantly, it was a celebration of the life of a truly great Celt.