The Celtic careers of Kenny Dalglish and Malky Mackay never overlapped but both men have one very special connection- Tommy Burns.
During his brief spell in temporary charge of Celtic the first move that Dalglish did was to bring Burns back to the club with Celtic feeling the benefits of that decision for years to come.
Mackay was given his Celtic debut by Burns and after almost 50 Celtic appearances went on to spend a successful decade playing in England before being given his chance in management with Watford then Cardiff.
Last night Mackay was at Anfield to watch Liverpool win their way to the Carling Cup Final on February 26 where they will face Cardiff with two former Celts leading the teams out at Wembley.
It’s an occasion that Burns would love to have witnessed and when the two managers get together it’s certain that a few memories of TB will be exchanged.
Speaking about the death of his former team-mate in 2008 Dalglish said: “ “That’s more important than any coaching qualifications that he may have had. Tommy was a wonderful man. You won’t find anyone who had a bad word to say about him. Why? Because Tommy was such a smashing guy.
“I’ve had texts over the last few days from people at Newcastle offering their condolences. Tommy was only there for a short time but they really loved him.
“His death has really been felt up there and I’m sure at Reading as well because he was popular wherever he went.
“It’s been difficult for all of us who knew the man but all the tributes I’ve read have been fitting.
“Tommy Burns is one of the greatest ever Celts. He did everything for that club, didn’t he?
“He was first of all a fantastic player for 15 seasons then managed Celtic for three years. He then came back and headed up the youth department. Throughout it all he was a fantastic ambassador.”
In June 2010 when he was appointed manager of Cardiff Mackay’s first thoughts were towards the manager that allowed him to live the dream of playing for Celtic.
He said: “Tommy was a visionary and someone who had a profound influence on myself as a young player.
“There is a mindset in football that if you are a centre-half then you should probably set up your teams as being defence minded.
“We learned from an early age and Tommy stamped something very impressive on the likes of myself,Tony (Mowbray) and John (Hughes) in those early days.
“We were all inquisitive individuals as players and we wanted to find out all we could about football and Tommy was only too keen to teach us.
“I guess there are striking similarities to the way Tony, John and my own sides line up because we all want to play attractive football.
“It is no coincidence to say we have all adopted the Tommy approach to football because I know it left such a huge impression on us.
“It is fair to say all three of us were greatly influenced by what he taught us in those early days.
“People rave about Barcelona and Real Madrid matches because they are usually full of goals, passion, excitement and free-flowing football.
“Celtic supporters still talk to me about Tommy’s Celtic team that lost one league match all season yet still couldn’t win the title.”
CLICK HEREÂ for Rangers descend into chaos
CLICK HEREÂ for SFA chief suggests First Division loan option to Celtic
Follow Video Celts on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube