A FELLOW Lisbon Lions player has told of his shock at the death of "Mr Celtic" Billy McNeill.

Bertie Auld who played with the Hoops legend during the famous 1967 European Cup said he's devastated at the loss of the 79-year-old after his long battle with dementia.

The 81-year-old said: "Although I know Billy was really ill and there was no bettering him, it was quite a shock.

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"Billy was always the type of lad you'd expect to do the right thing at the right time and I just didn't think about that at that particular time.

"He was always respected even way back when he was young boy ... he always looked the part and more than that he respected everyone."

When asked how Billy summed up being a Celtic player, he said: "The squad of players I played with were Celtic through and through.

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"Billy captaining them and achieving what he achieved ... he was always great with individuals.

"Billy McNeill was Celtic, Mr Celtic."