FORMER Celtic player Paul Wilson, who spent 11 years playing with the team, has passed away earlier today at the age of 66.

Wilson joined the club in 1967 and made his debut in a league cup quarter-final against Dundee in the September of 1970. He had risen through the ranks as one of the famed Quality Street Gang alongside the likes of Kenny Dalglish, Danny McGrain, Davie Hay, Lou Macari and George Connelly.

He made a toal of 217 appearances for Celtic, scoring 55 goals in that time.

Wilson also won two league titles, contributing to the club's victories in 1974 and 1977 and scored two goals in the 3-1 Scottish Cup final victory over Airdrie at Hampden, only a few days after his mum had passed away.

Following his time at Celtic, Wilson also played for Motherwell and Partick Thistle.

In 2014, Paul recounted his proudest moment for Celtic, saying “Just pulling on the jersey, as I have always been a Celtic supporter, so to get your first chance and to win trophies in the Hoops was fantastic. It all accumulates. It's hard to say one individual thing. If I look back on my time at the club, everything was a proud moment for me.”

Celtic Football Club have said their thoughts and prayers are with Paul’s family and friends at this very sad time.