Brendan Rodgers has revealed the role he played in ensuring Paul McStay would be front and centre for Celtic’s Flag Day celebrations this Sunday at Celtic Park.

The legendary former captain will unfurl the Premiership flag ahead of the Hoops’ opening league match against St Mirren.

Rodgers, who struck up a warm relationship with McStay during his first spell in charge, said he wanted to make sure one of Celtic’s most respected figures was given the opportunity to share in the moment with supporters. McStay, widely regarded as one of the club’s most gifted players, has not often taken the spotlight since his retirement in 1997.

The Irishman discussed the idea with chief executive Michael Nicholson several weeks ago, putting forward McStay’s name for the honour. The proposal was warmly received, with Rodgers convinced the occasion will be made even more special by the former skipper’s presence.

🏟️ Ahead of Sunday’s Flag Day celebrations, the club is delighted to announce that the Maestro, Paul McStay, will return to his beloved Paradise this weekend to unfurl the flag for the champions and kick off season 2025/26.

Read more below ⤵️#CELSTM | #CelticFC🍀

— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) July 31, 2025

Rodgers also spoke of his admiration for McStay, both as a player and as a man, describing him as a figure who brought hope to Celtic fans during some challenging times in the club’s history.

He said: (Celtic TV), “He was a great player. Paul always gave you hope watching Celtic. You always felt that in those tough times, in that period when Celtic maybe suffered a bit, that he could produce that moment of magic in any game, that could either win you the game or just light up the game.

“He was a brilliant player, a really humble guy. I was very fortunate enough to have met him the first time I was here at Celtic.

“It was a real privilege and a real honour for me. I spoke to Michael (Nicholson) a few weeks back to say the possibility of him coming for Flag Day was going to be there.

“He’ll get an incredible reception, I’m sure, and it’ll be amazing to see him.”

McStay’s return to the spotlight is certain to stir emotions among those in attendance on Sunday. Known as the “Maestro”, he spent his entire career at Celtic, making over 500 appearances and becoming a symbol of loyalty and class in the Hoops.

Rodgers’ decision to involve McStay speaks to his understanding of the club’s history and the bond between the team and its greats of the past. Celtic’s traditions have always been central to Flag Day, and this year’s ceremony promises to carry even greater meaning.

The match itself will mark the start of Celtic’s Premiership title defence, but the pre-match focus will be firmly on the moment McStay steps onto the pitch. His presence will link generations of supporters, from those who watched him in his prime to those who know him only through stories and old footage.

With Rodgers keen to honour a man who gave so much to Celtic, Sunday’s ceremony is shaping up to be a poignant celebration of past glories as the current side embarks on its latest campaign.