Long-serving Buckie Thistle defender Hamish Munro grateful for Celtic chance at the age of 37
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ONE of Buckie Thistle's longest-serving players has said he feels fortunate to be part of the squad taking on Celtic this weekend.
Hamish Munro (37), who lives in Mosstodloch and has played with Buckie across two spells since 2010, almost retired towards the back end of the 2022-23 campaign.
But the manner in which the campaign ended – with the heartbreak of losing a late goal to Brechin City on the last day – convinced him to continue on.
And after a good pre-season, Munro – affectionately known as 'Squish' in the dressing room – has pushed on and worked his way into manager Graeme Stewart's line-up.
Having started the last two games, he is now in with a chance of starting the biggest game of his career just nine days short of his 38th birthday.
"Last season I thought my legs had gone and I had a few bad games," Munro said. "If the league went a different way that might have been it.
"It's easy to say now, but the way last season ended I said it can't be the last game for me. So I did pre-season, enjoyed it, and said to Graham and Lewis (Mackinnon, assistant) that if I'm required I can be used if needed.
"I didn't think I would be needed with the squad we have and the players we have, but sure enough with injuries and suspensions I have been asked to play and I have been happy to."
After playing the full 90 minutes in Saturday's dramatic 3-2 victory over Huntly, Munro – who also works closely with the Jags' coaching staff – now has a good chance of starting at Parkhead on Sunday.
"In my head a cameo five-minute appearance would have been nice, to tick it off," he said. "But the way it's going, I might have a chance. I have played the last two games and I played 90 minutes on Saturday.
"It depends how we play – I don't think we are going to be exposing ourselves too much so it might be a game that suits, but we will wait and see how the game plan goes.
"I'm really fortunate, towards the end of my career, to manage to sneak this game in."
The build-up to the Celtic match has been somewhat fractured for Buckie, with plenty of games called off due to adverse weather.
Manager Graeme Stewart has been keeping the players' focus well and truly on Highland League business – but is allowing them to enjoy the occasion this week and soak it all up.
Munro, who works with his manager at Titan Tools in Aberdeen, added: "Last Saturday against Huntly we knew this game might be a bit of a distraction.
"If someone says don't think of elephants then sure enough you do. It was all about getting through that and judging by our first half we were a bit nervy.
"But Graham has been good, he's been trying to keep us away from it until now and this week he has said 'go for it guys, it's a one-off, just enjoy it'."
Munro will be joined by children Lukas and Esmée and Izaac at Parkhead on Sunday.
MORE: Dad of Celtic-mad Buckie player talks on the big game
Hamish Munro was speaking at a Scottish Gas media event. Scottish Gas is the proud partner of the Scottish Cup.
