Former Celtic and St Mirren goalkeeper Denis Connaghan has sadly passed away aged 79.

Connaghan began his career at Parkhead before a successful seven-year spell at St Mirren. He was then re-signed by legendary Celtic boss Jock Stein in October 1971 and went on to win several major honours throughout six years, even though he was reduced to only 56 appearances.

The stopper is known to Hoops supporters for famously saving two penalties against Rangers in the 1974 Drybrough Cup final shoot-out, which was Celtic’s only success in the event. During his time at Celtic, Connaghan battled it out with Evan Williams and Ally Hunter for the much coveted No1 jersey.

Speaking to Celtic’s match programme seven years ago, Connaghan opened up on his favourite memory during his time at the club. He recalled: “Being part of the Scottish Cup-winning team in 1974. There were a couple of earlier finals where I was sitting on the bench or in the stand, so that 3-0 game against Dundee United was one that I really did enjoy. It was a great day for me and a great day for the team.

“Even down at Seamill on the morning of the final, I still wasn’t 100 per cent sure I was in the team. Big Jock had the team talk and then he said, ‘Right, the team today will be, Denis in goal…’, and I thought, ‘what a relief’. There were no mobile phones in those days so I had to find a phone, then call home and say, ‘tell my Da I’m playing today’.”

Celtic paid tribute stating they were “saddened” by the news.

A spokesman for the Buddies said “St Mirren Football Club is saddened to hear of the passing of our former player Denis Connaghan at the age of 79 following a short period of illness. Denis, a goalkeeper in his playing days, joined St Mirren in June 1966 from Renfrew and would go on to make 127 appearances for the Saints, keeping 23 clean sheets. The thoughts of everyone at St Mirren are with Denis’ loved ones at this sad time.”