CELTIC fans have launched a campaign to raise (pounds) 40,000 for a statue of club founder Brother Walfrid.
Supporters worldwide are being urged to back the appeal for a bronze tribute outside Celtic Park.
Marist priest Brother Walfrid, from Sligo, founded Celtic in 1888 to help raise money to feed the poor in Glasgow's east end.
In the early years money raised at the turnstiles was donated to the most deprived.
Now Celtic supporters want to erect a permanent memorial to him.
They want the club to follow the example of Manchester United and Leeds, who have tributes to Sir Matt Busby and Billy Bremner outside their grounds.
Rangers also have a statue of former captain John Greig outside Ibrox.
It was erected two years ago as part of a memorial to the 66 fans who died in the Ibrox Disaster in 1971.
Jim Divers, a member of the Walfrid Memorial Fund Committee, said: "The majority of Celtic fans want the statue as a permanent reminder of the club's roots.
"All the players and managers we have had can't compare to Brother Walfrid.
"Younger fans coming to Celtic Park will be able to learn about the club's history and its charitable background.
"Fans from America to Australia have already contacted us to lend their support.
"Football has changed so much over the years, but this will be a link to the past.
"It would be fitting to have a bronze statue outside the entrance to Celtic Park."
A spokesman for Celtic FC said: "In principal, we support the supporters' idea of recognising Brother Walfrid's contribution to the club.
"We will no doubt hold discussions with the supporters groups over the next few months."
A life-size bronze statue would cost between (pounds) 30,000 and (pounds) 40,000.
The appeal's organisers plan to offer supporters the chance to donate money online through unofficial club websites.
The first major fundraising event, a race night at the Kerrydale Suite in Celtic Park, takes place tonight, at 7.30.
Other fundraising nights are also planned to coincide with St Patrick's Day and the end of the season. 
