PAUL McSTAY, known as The Maestro, played his last game for Celtic on this date in 1997.

The club legend, at the age of 32, deserved a greater send-off than a nondescript 10-minute outing in front of a mere crowd of 7,914 in a drab 1-1 draw with Raith Rovers in Kirkcaldy.

McStay, one of the most proficient ball artistes in the Parkhead club’s proud history, started the league game before being forced off early with a leg injury.

David Hannah came on to replace the captain and, as the iconic Celt disappeared into the bowels of Starks Park, no-one realised they would never again see the club great in the green-and-white hoops.

The ankle problem that had plagued him throughout the season finally persuaded the skipper to call it a day.

Following his cameo appearance in Fife, McStay, after 678 games for his solitary club, retired the following month.

In his 16 years at Parkhead, the middle-of-the-park mastermind won eight honours – three titles, four Scottish Cups and one League Cup.

The 1996/97 season had promised much for Celtic, but delivered little.

Manager Tommy Burns had assembled what looked like a first-class squad with colourful characters such as...