TRIBUTES were paid to Celtic legend Joe McBride at a packed funeral service in Bishopbriggs.

More than 600 mourners crammed into the St Dominic's Church service where they heard his grandson, Sean McBride say: "You'll hear a lot today about Joe the footballer but he was an amazing granda to me and his grandchildren.

"It was the warmth and personality of the man that gravitated so many people to him."

The Parkhead legend – who also played for Hibernian and Motherwell – died at Glasgow Royal Infirmary last week after a suspected stroke. He was 74.

As reported in later editions of last night's Evening Times, hundreds of his friends and family were joined by former Celtic greats including Lisbon Lions Billy McNeil, Jim Craig, John Clark and Bertie Auld for the service.

Dixie Deans, Tom Boyd, Billy Stark, Tosh McKinlay, Tommy Callaghan and Danny McGrain were also there to pay their respects along with Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell and Rangers legend Sandy Jardine.

The funeral was led by Parish Priest, Father Nicholas Monaghan, and the order of service was concluded with The Irish Blessing.

Father Monaghan said: "Joe was born with a gift, he received it and touched thousands of hearts with his football but also with his kindness and personality."

McBride was best known for his goalscoring exploits at Celtic between 1965 and 1968, when he netted 86 times in 94 games.

He won two League titles and two League Cups at Celtic Park but was not part of the famous Lisbon Lions side that became the first British team to win the European Cup in 1967.

The striker suffered an injury in December 1966 which ruled him out of rest of the season, having already scored 35 goals in 26 games.

Celtic chief executive Mr Lawwell paid tribute to McBride, who also worked as an ambassador for the club.

He said: "Joe was a very fine man, an absolute gentleman and someone who gave tremendous service to the club."

The aisles of St Dominic's were packed for the service and the Lisbon Lions in attendance were all seated together in the front row.

McBride's son, Joe Junior, and other family members greeted guests as they arrived.

Comedian, actor and lifelong Celtic fan Tony Roper was joined at the funeral by former Partick Thistle star Chic Charnley and current Clyde manager Jim Duffy.

stef.lach@ heraldandtimes.co.uk