Farewell to a true legend: Scottish football left in mourning after former Celtic favourite and Lisbon Lion John 'Yogi' Hughes dies at the age of 79... with ex-forward a key part of 1967 European Cup-winning squad

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Scottish football was on Monday night mourning the loss of a Celtic legend after the death of John 'Yogi' Hughes at the age of 79.

The prolific forward scored 189 goals in 416 appearances for the Parkhead club and was a key part of the famous 1967 European Cup-winning squad.

Hughes agonisingly missed the 2-1 final win against Inter Milan in the Portuguese capital through injury but he was awarded a winners' medal having played a major role in the run to glory.

Hughes was a huge player for Celtic during the Jock Stein era, winning seven league titles, five League Cups and four Scottish Cups in his 11 years up until his departure from Parkhead in 1971. 

Yogi also featured in the 1970 European Cup final as Celtic lost 2-1 against Feyenoord in Milan and scored in the iconic semi-final win over Leeds United at Hampden.

In a glittering career, he also represented Crystal Palace and Sunderland and was capped eight times by Scotland, scoring one goal. 

On Monday night, Hughes' family confirmed the sad news that the popular former Glasgow publican had died.

In a statement, they said: 'John 'Yogi' Hughes, age 79, passed away peacefully in hospital today after a short illness. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Scottish football was on Monday night mourning the loss of John 'Yogi' Hughes (right) at the age of 79

'He was dearly loved and will be sorely missed. Always remembered and celebrated with love by his wife Theresa, his sons Kevin, Martin and John, his daughter Joanna, his six grandchildren and extended family.

'He now joins the ranks of those who will be immortal as long as there's a Glasgow Celtic. The family ask for privacy at this terribly difficult time, and will release details of his funeral arrangements in due course.'

Celtic also released a statement to mark Hughes' passing. 

It read: 'Everyone at Celtic Football Club is extremely sad to hear of the passing of Lisbon Lion, John 'Yogi' Hughes, who has died at the age of 79, and the thoughts and prayers of everyone at the club are with John's family and friends at this extremely sad time.

'John spent 12 years at Celtic between 1959 and '71, playing his part in a golden era for the club and establishing himself as an all-time great in the green and white Hoops.

Hughes was a key part of the famous 1967 European Cup-winning squad labelled 'Lisbon Lions'

The forward scored 189 goals in 416 games for Celtic - he will be remembered as Hoops icon

'His list of honours is an impressive one — seven league titles, five League Cups, four Scottish Cups and, of course, the European Cup in 1967 when he was part of the legendary squad which became the Kings of Europe, playing his part in many of the ties on the road to Lisbon.

'There are so many highlights from John's time in the Hoops, including the famous occasion where he scored five goals in an 8-0 win over Aberdeen at a frosty Celtic Park wearing a pair of 'sannies' in January 1965.

'He also scored a famous goal in the European Cup semi-final second leg victory over Leeds United at Hampden, in front of a record crowd of 136,505, a result which saw Celtic reach their second final in three years.

'John Hughes left Celtic in 1971, joining Crystal Palace, while he also had a short spell with Sunderland before retiring. He was also capped eight times by Scotland, scoring one goal.

'John 'Yogi' Hughes was hugely popular amongst the Celtic support, who always recognised him as one of their own, and the whole Celtic Family will mourn his passing.'