Former Celtic and Scotland striker Frank McGarvey dies aged 66 after battling pancreatic cancer

Former Celtic and Scotland striker Frank McGarvey has died at the age of 66, his former club have announced.

McGarvey, who also played for St Mirren, Queen of the South and Clyde, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2022.

In a statement, Celtic said: “Everyone at Celtic is extremely saddened to hear of the death of former striker Frank McGarvey, who passed away earlier this morning at the age of 66.

“The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Celtic are with Frank’s family at this extremely sad time.”

"Just to look at the Celtic End and look at the Celtic fans cheering. When I was a wee boy brought up in Easterhouse I dreamed of those things."

RIP, Frank McGarvey 🍀💚 pic.twitter.com/jvyUYprIYr
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) January 1, 2023

The Scottish FA also paid tribute, posting on Twitter: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Frank McGarvey.

“The former striker lifted the Scottish Cup with both Celtic and St Mirren, and was capped seven times by Scotland. The thoughts of everyone at the Scottish FA are with his family and friends.”

In October, the footballing legend’s sons Scott and Sean posted on social media that their father was suffering from cancer.

Days later, he was given a rousing reception at Celtic Park when he made an emotional appearance on the pitch before the Glasgow side’s game against Hibernian.

He was given a huge ovation by supporters as he emerged from the tunnel with daughter Jennifer before telling fans, “I want to tell everybody at Parkhead today, I love you all.”

Frank McGarvey with daughter Jennifer at Celtic Park in October. SNS Group

McGarvey, from Glasgow, joined St Mirren in 1975 and stayed at the Paisley club, where he played under Alex Ferguson, for four years before making a £270,000 move to Liverpool in 1979.

He returned to Scotland the following year without making a first team appearance on Merseyside to join his boyhood heroes, where he won two league titles, two Scottish Cups and a League Cup.

His last game for Celtic was the 1985 Scottish Cup final against Dundee United where he scored the winner in the 2-1 victory at Hampden Park.

One of Frank's finest moments at St Mirren came in 1987 when he scored the winner against Hearts in the Scottish Cup semi-final.

Saints would go on to beat Dundee United in the Final to win the Scottish Cup for a third time.

Rest in peace, Frank. pic.twitter.com/8xXj0wdE3c
— St Mirren FC (@saintmirrenfc) January 1, 2023

After returning to St Mirren he won the Scottish Cup again in 1987 before finishing his senior career with Queen of the South, where he was player/manager, and then Clyde.

McGarvey played seven times for Scotland, making his debut as a late substitute in a Home International Championship game against Northern Ireland at Hampden Park in May 1979.

In a statement, St Mirren said they were “deeply saddened” by the news of McGarvey’s death and added that he would be “forever remembered” at the club.