Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers spends time with Buckie Thistle fan Daniel Strong (18) who has had brain tumour since the age of five
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A BUCKIE Thistle super-fan was given memories to last a lifetime after being presented with a signed Celtic shirt by Hoops manager Brendan Rodgers.
Daniel Strong (18) has had a brain tumour since the age of five. His recovery story inspired the Celtic boss, who made time to present him with a shirt, before introducing him to the Celtic players and his family.
Daniel's father is Buckie goalkeeper coach Darren Strong. He said: "There was a write-up in a newspaper that Brendan got wind of and set up the meeting.
"They presented Daniel with a top and spoke a bit about football. The first thing Daniel asked Brendan was 'what's your formation today?'!
"Brendan mentioned how brave Daniel had been. After the game, just as we were about to leave, Brendan took us into his office and introduced us to his wife and daughter and we had a chat for 30 minutes.
"He must have spent over an hour between the two times chatting with Daniel. He was an absolute gentleman.
"He also got to meet all the players and was in the dressing room. He just loved his day. Celtic were very kind with the time they gave him and couldn't have done enough for us.
"We had players into the changing rooms to get tops signed. They had so much time for us and were so humble and professional."
Darren was full of praise for the Buckie support that backed the Jags at Celtic Park – and praised the support the entire community has given the club.
He added: "The lads put on a great performance and did the game plan as suggested and as we wanted to play.
"The only thing we maybe could have done is attack more but then you leave yourself open. We gave a great account of ourselves.
"First and foremost, thought, the 2500 fans that travelled and stayed until the bitter end were fabulous.
"The whole town, we need to mention everybody from shopkeepers to schools, has got right behind us.
"The fans, the committee, directors, the bus full of people that follow the club everywhere and make everything tick, this day is for them.
"It's a big team effort and we can't function without volunteers helping the boys on the park."
