ON THE 40th anniversary of Celtic's European Cup win over Inter Milan, the call has gone up to name the club's new training complex at Lennoxtown after the Lisbon Lions.
It would be a lasting memorial to the men who brought the trophy to Britain for the first time, and who put Celtic on the world map.
The Lions already have a stand at Celtic Park named in their honour, as does the late Jock Stein.
But Peter Rafferty, from the Association of Celtic Supporters clubs, can understand why many fans are keen to have the £10million complex - due to open in August - named after the heroes of 1967. "From the supporters' point of view, it would be fitting to name the training academy after someone distinguished in the cub's history," he said.
"The Lisbon Lions would be high up in the category of possibles, as would Jimmy Johnstone and some others.
"It is important to the supporters that the name is recognisable in terms of the club's heritage."
Rafferty will tonight join more than 1500 Celtic fans attending the gala dinner in a giant marquee on the pitch at Parkhead to celebrate the glorious achievement on May 25, 1967.
The surviving Lions will also be in attendance, and special tributes will be made to the team-mates who have since passed away - Ronnie Simpson, Bobby Murdoch and Jinky Johnstone - along with manager Stein.
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