STILIYAN PETROV was a man Neil Lennon always wanted alongside him as Celtic fought to win trophies and re-establish the club's reputation in Europe.

So it is no surprise to the Hoops boss that the brave Bulgarian is winning his fight against leukemia.

Lennon will be delighted to welcome his old team-mate back to Parkhead on September 8 when the '£19' legends charity match is staged to celebrate the popular Petrov's career.

"Stan had a great career, and it was going really well at Villa when it was cut short by this disturbing illness," said Lennon.

"But he is looking really strong and he is going to win the battle with it."

Tickets have been snapped up by supporters keen to pay their own tribute to the man forced to announce his retirement from the game in May, 15 months after being diagnosed with leukemia. Petrov is in the process of setting up a new charitable foundation to help address the issues involved when people receive a leukemia diagnosis.

And the man who wore the No.19 shirt with such pride at Parkhead is already looking forward to returning for this special fundraising event, which will feature many of the stars he played alongside during a glittering career at club and international level.

Petrov said: "I'm absolutely delighted this game is going to take place at Celtic Park.

"It will be a wonderful start for my foundation and I'm really happy to be coming back to a place where I spent seven brilliant years.

"I know it's going to be an emotional occasion, particularly after what I've been through this past year. But I'm looking forward to it.

"I'd like to thank Celtic for organising this match."