THERE has scarcely been a more passionate, proud and dedicated Celtic player in the modern era than Peter Grant.

He was the diehard of all diehards, wearing his heart on the sleeve of the jersey he loved to pull on. It was a badge of honour for the blonde midfielder of the 1980s and 90s who bled green and white.

He played every game as if it was his last and felt honoured every time he took to the field forming an unbreakable bond with his midfield partner Paul McStay. However, on Sunday the unthinkable will happen – he wants Celtic to lose.

Remarkably, his son Raymond and Paul’s lad Chris will be lining up for Clyde against the Hoops in the last 16 of the Scottish Cup.
Grant and McStay in the same team – only this time they are facing the Parkhead men rather than gracing them.

Family comes first for Peter who wants Celtic’s astonishing run of 32 consecutive domestic cup ties without defeat to come to an end at Broadwood.

Grant, now boss at Alloa, said: “It’s going to be the first time that I hope Celtic lose a game. I never thought I would say that.
“Grant and McStay playing against Celtic – it’s going to be unbelievable.”

Chris, who had spent his teen years in Australia after his family moved there, joined Clyde three seasons ago but Raymond didn’t realise they both had famous fathers when arrived in 2018.

Grant said: “The amazing thing is, the first time they met they didn’t even realise who each other were. I think they were six months apart at Clyde – Chris was already there when Raymond joined.

“He came home that night and said ‘’Dad there was a young guy asking for you at training – Chris something, I think he’s from Australia’. I said ‘is it McStay?’ and Raymond said ‘Yes, that’s him’.It was crazy, he didn’t realise right away who his new team-mate was.

“Now they’ve been living together in a flat for a few years and you couldn’t have scripted that either as Paul and me were roommates at Celtic for 14 years. Of course, it’s going to be such a big day for them but they know that Clyde have a number of important games coming up.

“The game with Celtic will take care of itself.”

With Celtic Grant and McStay won titles and cups together in the 1980s and ended a trophy drought by lifting the 1995 Scottish Cup.

Peter added: “They know where they have come from but the great thing is that they have tried to make their own way in the game and not live off their dads.

“That’s the biggest accolade I can pay them. They have carved out their own careers by the way they have played and the way they have looked after themselves.

“I’m delighted for them because it will be such a big week with everything that goes around about it and then they’ll be playing in front of a full stadium on Sunday.

“I used to always say I could never play against Celtic – but it’s going to happen for them and they’re looking forward to it so much."