A FORMER Celtic title-winning captain has praised the work of the John Thomson Memorial Committee following a visit to the area last week.

Tom Boyd, who skippered the Hoops to league glory on three occasions, hailed their "fantastic work" after attending a series of events last Monday alongside one of his ex-team-mates, Simon Donnelly.

They were in the Kingdom to promote an upcoming celebration of the Parkhead club's historic 1998 championship winning side at Dunfermline's Alhambra Theatre, before making their way to Central Fife.

After laying a wreath at the graveside of legendary goalkeeper Thomson's graveside, they made their way to Glencraig to do likewise at a memorial to centre-half Peter Johnstone, who was killed in action during the First World War, before taking part in a Q&A session with supporters at The Old Ship in Lochgelly.

Boyd said: "We're privileged to remember these guys who played on the park at Celtic, had great careers but, sadly, was taken away too early.

"It's great work that the John Thomson Memorial Committee have done to support a fantastic pitch for the whole community to try and play, and enhance the community spirit.

"They do fantastic work so for us it's about giving something back."

A Celtic historian, Kirkcaldy-based David Potter, gave speeches at both wreath-laying ceremonies and was keen to highlight the story of Johnstone, who was killed in the battle of Arras in 1917 and has no known grave.

He explained: "He was a great player because he was very versatile. He came as an inside right, then inside left, and then ended up playing centre half and left half.

"Had it not been for the war, I think he'd have been one of the real greats of Celtic but, as it was, he was good enough.

"He played particularly in the years 1911-14 and was the centre half of that great team that won the league and cup double in 1914.

"He could've actually avoided the war; he was a miner but also had his own business. He was a newsagent in Glasgow and, if you were in charge of a business, you could get an exemption but he decided he wanted to join.

"There are loads of players who've come from Fife, including Scott Brown, who have played for the club, and in Fife we are particularly fond of John Thomson."

Boyd and Donnelly were speaking ahead of the 'Smell the Glove – when Celtic stopped the 10' event in Dunfermline on May 19, where they will be interviewed on stage by author Paul John Dykes about their roles in winning the championship and preventing Rangers winning 10-in-a-row.

Donnelly added: "I think it's only now, when I look back on it, that there's a great sense of pride.

"It goes down in history and you go down in history in such an important season for the club, and can say that you played your part.

"I think at the time, as a young boy, you don't really appreciate it as much, but I certainly do nowadays."

Tickets for the event, on May 19, are available from the Alhambra directly or via www.ticketmaster.co.uk.