CELTIC chairman Peter Lawwell has paid tribute to “great Celt” John ‘Dixie’ Deans, who died today at 79.

The former Hoops striker was signed by Jock Stein from Motherwell in 1971 and soon became a fan favourite.

Capped twice by Scotland, he scored a hat-trick for Celtic in the 1972 Scottish Cup final and 1974 League Cup final, both wins over Hibernian with scorelines of 6-1 and 6-3 respectively.

Lawwell told the club’s official website: “This is extremely sad news and I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to Dixie’s family and friends.

“Dixie was a great Celt and one of the finest goalscorers ever to have played for the club.

“I was fortunate enough to have watched him play throughout his career and he played his part in the successes we enjoyed in the 1970s, not least in those unforgettable hat-tricks he scored against Hibs in two cup finals at Hampden.

“I was even more fortunate to get to know him personally over the past few years, and it was always great to meet him here at Celtic Park on a matchday.

“What was always clear was his real love of Celtic and also the love that supporters had for him too.”

Deans also scored six goals in a 7-0 defeat of Partick Thistle in November, 1973 before he left Parkhead in 1976, after scoring 124 goals in 184 Celtic games.

He also missed from the spot in the penalty shootout defeat by Inter Milan in the 1972 European Cup semi-final at Parkhead.

Deans had subsequent spells at Luton, Carlisle, Partick Thistle and Adelaide City, and latterly he was involved in matchday hospitality at Celtic.

Parkhead chief executive Michael Nicholson said: “Every Celtic supporter will be saddened by this news and I know that the thoughts of the whole Celtic Family will be with Dixie’s family at this time.

“Dixie was always a Celtic supporter and his fellow fans recognised and loved that about him, as well as appreciating his talents as a player and what he did throughout his time wearing the Hoops.

“To say his goalscoring record was impressive is an understatement and he will always be remembered as a true Celtic great.”

In a statement on their official website, Motherwell said: “Deans will be remembered fondly for his exquisite goalscoring form at Fir Park.

“He passes away aged 79 years old and our thoughts are with his family and friends during this incredibly sad time.

“Rest in peace, Dixie.”