McStay's message is greeted with silence

ON AN occasion that bore more of a resemblance to an audience with the Pope, Paul McStay addressed a section of Celtic's Dublin congregation in D'Olier Street's Harp Bar yesterday afternoon. Sitting on a chair, overlooking his brethren, microphone in hand, the central message of his gospel was simple: "Keep the faith".

"Don't worry about the future - things are going to get better," he declared. Silence. No rapturous applause from the green and white hooped flock. No whooping and cheering. No cries of "Huns Beware". Just a deathly silence.

Thing is Celtic fans do worry about the future - they've been worrying about it for the past nine years, during which time the other lot have equalled their sacred record - nine league titles in a row.

McStay, their God, did his best to raise their spirits, just weeks before the start of a season they know will see the other lot win their tenth successive title. Grand Old Club to play for, maybe, but these days, a heartbreaking one to know.

The former Scottish international was in Dublin as part of the promotional push for next month's International Club Tournament at Lansdowne Road, which will feature Celtic, Newcastle United, PSV Eindhoven and Derry City (July 15th-16th).

Having been forced to retire from the game with an ankle injury at the end of last season McStay, who was Celtic captain for seven of his 16 years at Parkhead, is still waiting for an offer of a job from the club.

"From Monday I'm on the brew, as they say - that's when my contract runs out on. I don't now what lies ahead, there's a lot of upheaval and turmoil at the club but it's gradually getting sorted out. I'm going to have a chat next week with Jock Brown and David Hay and we'll pick each others' brains. It would be great to be involved at Celtic but all the coaching jobs seemed to be filled up now so we'll wait and see what happens when the new man comes in," he said.

Time for the questions and answers session. "How did you feel when you scored against Rangers?" A grin. Good answer. Next. "What do you think about the appointment of Jock Brown as general manager at Celtic," asked another fan, whose tone suggested he was less than impressed. McStay's smile hinted that he was a bit puzzled himself.

"Yeah, I was surprised, I must be honest. I was looking for a big football name with business credentials as well but Mr McCann's (Fergus, Celtic chairman) gone the opposite way - that's up to himself, he's in charge of the club. But you've got to give the guy a chance - he's moving very quickly to fill the gaps and I think the top job, of head coach, will be filled very soon as well."

Then a couple of questions about the other lot buying up half of Serie A during the summer (in response Celtic announced the appointment of a kit controller on Tuesday ... that'll have the Huns shaking in their boots). "We've got to keep the blinkers on, just concentrate on ourselves," advised McStay. No one nodded. It's so hard not to notice what's going on at Ibrox, try as they might to ignore it.

Then it was autograph signing time. Even the newspaper seller outside the door of The Harp abandoned his pitch to get one of his early editions signed by the Parkhead legend. Knowing Celtic fans' luck these days he probably sold it by mistake later.