Celtic legend 'devastated' at not being invited to game against Man Utd

A team of former Celtic players were at Old Trafford at the weekend to take on a Manchester United side in a legends match. That title does take a fair bit of stretch when it is used for these types of games. However, since it is all for a good charitable cause, generally no one does, and should, mind too much.

The term 'legend' is often used loosely and debated over for particular players. There are no hard and fast rules for what makes a legend in football terms.

As a general rule, they have to have spent some time with the club, rather than a few months or a season. They ideally have to have won trophies, playing a significant part in those triumphs.

On top of that, there is the more indefinable matter of being somehow more than just 'another player'. They should bring a particular aura and memories of their time at the club. A special connection with the fans always helps. We're sure others have more key factors or criteria to add. Feel free!

Celtic legend 'devastated' at not being invited to game against Man Utd

Most players wouldn't put the label of 'legend' on their own backs, however well deserved or undisputed. Some though recognise their status in the game. Alan Thompson seems to be in the latter camp. 

Thompson has taken to social media to point out that he was 'devastated' at not being invited to the Celtic vs Manchester United Legends game. He tweeted:

If we look at the Celtic side for the day, there are plenty of top players included. There are many fan favourites in there, and some that have legendary status, in our book anyway. Without getting into specific names, there are some that don't quite fit that label, but the fans would have been very happy to see them play regardless.

Here was Celtic's team on the day: Arthur Boruc, Kelvin Wilson, Charlie Mulgrew, Stephen McManus, Mikael Lustig, Jonny Hayes, Joe Ledley, Stilian Petrov, Gorgios Samaras, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, Gary Hooper. Lukasz Zaluska, Efe Ambrose, Simon Donnelly, Barry Robson and Darren O’Dea were substitute.

Is Thompson a Celtic legend? Possibly. He’d be a strong contender for sure. He spent over six years at the club. During that time he collected four league winners medals, three more for Scottish Cup wins and one for a League Cup triumph.

He scored critical goals in the UEFA Cup and Champions League and also earned his only full England cap as a Celtic player. To help his claim he did have some brilliant games and goals against the Rangers too. Those are firmly in many fans’ memories.

We are unlikely to hear why he was not involved, and there may not be a big reason behind it. Hopefully, someone central to the legends' work at the club will reach out and see if Thompson can be involved in some way in the future.