CELTIC manager Neil Lennon, and the club’s Chief Executive, Peter Lawwell visited Ibrox today (Friday) to lay a wreath as a mark of respect to former Rangers player, Fernando Ricksen who passed away on Wednesday.

Fernando lost his fight with motor neurone disease at the age of only 43. Peter Lawwell, said: “Everyone at Celtic would like to extend their most sincere and heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the family of Fernando Ricksen.

“Fernando was part of Scottish Football for a number of years and for him to be taken so young is a huge tragedy.

“He fought this terrible condition with such courage and we should all admire and respect the inspirational way in which he tackled the challenge which he faced.

“He showed immense bravery throughout. Our thoughts and prayers of course are with Fernando’s family and friends at such a difficult time.”

Neil Lennon said: "It's tragic. I am very, very upset for his family obviously, for someone who I played against in many battles in a time when both teams were very, very strong in Glasgow, in a very good era in Scottish football.

“And for the Glasgow public to lose him at such a young age is devastating. He put up an unbelievable fight.

“As a player he got better and better in his time at Rangers, to the point he became Player of the Year.

“He turned out to be an outstanding footballer, a great competitor.

“Our condolences go to his family and Glasgow Rangers as well. It's a huge loss and I have felt it myself, for someone who I played against for a long, long time

There will be a minute of applause before Celtic kick-off against Kilmarnock on Sunday.

Neil Lennon and Peter Lawwell pay respect to Fernando Ricksen