Bonner's payday

PACKIE BONNER was in Dublin last night to announce details of his testimonial at Lansdowne Road on May 18th.

PACKIE BONNER was in Dublin last night to announce details of his testimonial at Lansdowne Road on May 18th.

Mick McCarthy will draw from a full strength Republic of Ireland squad against Celtic, managed by Bonner's former team mate at Parkhead, Tommy Burns. Both managers are using the match as "preparation for their teams - the Republic play Liechtenstein in a World Cup qualifier on May 21st and, assuming they are still involved, Celtic will play in the Scottish Cup final the following Saturday.

Bonner was Celtic legend Jock Stein's last signing when he joined the Glasgow club as a 17 year old, making his debut a year later in 1978. His Ireland debut came three years after that, in a 3-0 defeat away to Poland. He went on to earn 80 international caps and enjoyed a career with Celtic which spanned almost two decades.

Tickets, all seated, for the game are priced at £20, £15, £12 and £2 for school children.