Paul Lambert has named his favourite Celtic game of all time – a pivotal Glasgow derby that took place over a quarter of a century ago.
The combative midfielder helped Borussia Dortmund clinch the UEFA Champions League before moving to Glasgow's east end, and was hardly short of big moments at Paradise.
He played a pivotal role at Celtic under Wim Jansen and Martin O'Neill especially, and it was while working for the former manager that, as far as the player himself is concerned, his greatest ever game in green and white unfolded – during a heated encounter that also saw him bag a goal.
That game was the Ner'day Glasgow derby of January 2, 1998, when Celtic overcame their city rivals 2-0 and Lambert rattled home the second of the day from range.
Speaking to Celtic TV's Daylin Doherty in an exclusive interview as part of the channel's 'My Greatest Game' series, Lambert said: "It was a pivotal game, without a shadow of a doubt, and one of my biggest highlights being a Celtic player.
"[The goal] just sat up really nice for me and I thought, ‘I’m going to crack this one.
"I’ve played in loads of big games here, I’m not sure I’ve seen anything quite like it. It was mayhem."
Not only did that goal clinch an important three points and derby victory for Wim Jansen's side, it put Celtic on track to win the league – the club's first league title of the decade, which halted Rangers' dominance throughout the '90s.
Lambert added: "The significance of it was so important because it kept this club’s history intact with the great Lions side, who were the best Celtic team in the history of the club.
"It gave us that feeling of how to win it, and going into the St. Johnstone game [the final game of the season that year], it gave the club the feeling of winning the title again."
You can watch Lambert's interview in full by subscribing to Celtic TV.
The channel's My Greatest Game series has already featured former Celts Lubo Moravcik, Scott McDonald, Scott Brown, Peter Grant, Charlie Mulgrew, Roy Aitken and John Hartson.
