Renowned journalist Kevin McKenna has been a Celtic fan since he was knee high to a grasshopper and his passion remains undimmed despite the passing of over half a century. 

The former deputy editor of the Herald and sports editor of the Scotland on Sunday has never disguised his love for the men in Hoops and will bring you his unique take on events at the club.

Kevin will bring you his thoughts every Thursday on The Celtic Way.

How did your Celtic journey begin? 

It was handed down to me by my dad, as it had been to him and his dad before him. My earliest memories of Celtic were simply of the green and white hoops and the sense that this really mattered to the people I loved most.

What was your first Celtic game?

Celtic 5, Hearts 0, February, 1969.

Who was the Celtic player you loved growing up?

Jimmy Johnstone. He was revered by Celtic families but I think too they all felt they had a collective duty of care to him.

What's the one Celtic game that sticks out in your memory?

It was actually a 2-1 win at home against Dunfermline not long after my first game. Celtic had been a goal down to a team I was later to realise were very, very good. I remember crying at the prospect that Celtic might be beaten. For a boy who’d been told by all adults in his life that Celtic were divinely-appointed this was confusing and distressing.

What makes Parkhead so special?

I think it’s the knowledge that four generations of your family had stood in this place and for exactly the same reasons. To see our team win, of course, but more importantly, to express a sense of belonging to a community and being cared for by it.

Are you confident Ange Postecoglou can turn things around?

I’m sure he has the credentials, but I’m not sure he’ll be given the support he needs from the boardroom. There doesn’t seem to be much happening in terms of transfers; only lingering uncertainty about Kristoffer Ajer; Ryan Christie and Odsonne Edouard.

What does he need to do to improve significantly on last year?

Much will depend on him getting the best out of existing players who under-performed last season. But there needs to be significant signings of good players with proven ability.

Who should be the next captain?

Callum McGregor.

Which player is your tip to make a big splash this year?

Albian Ajeti should be desperate to show us why we paid five million quid for him.

Who is the youth player you're most excited by?

Owen Moffat looks very good and I’m hearing good things about him from some who’ve been tracking his progress closely.