VIDAR Riseth is the latest player to sign up for Celtic FC Foundation’s Henrik’s Heroes v Lubo’s Legends charity match on Sunday, May 28 (KO: 2pm), and while the Celtic family acclaims Henrik Larsson as a magician – the Norwegian regards the legendary No.7 as a mystic, too.

He revealed that Henrik was not only a wonderful player but an astute tipster. Riseth explained: “Henrik told me before the League Cup final against Aberdeen in 2000 that I would score. Then he sat in the stand because he was injured and he watched me knock in the first in a 2-0 victory. It was some forecast because I was never known for scoring goals, let alone in a cup final.”

Riseth hit the net five times in 73 games for the Hoops but is hoping to add to his tally when he plays in the Henrik’s Heroes v Lubo’s Legends match, two Celtic greats he has cherished memories of.

He said: “I’m 44 but I feel 22. I train five times a week and I am in good shape. It’s 16 years since I played at Celtic Park, though I’ve been back often as a spectator. The memories are always fresh.

“Henrik was the complete player. He wasn’t just a goalscorer. He was brilliant at providing assists. He could have scored even more but he preferred to pass it to someone in a better position. He did everything for the team. He worked so hard.

“It was strange that when Lubo came to the club there was criticism before he kicked a ball. People were saying: ‘Who is he? Is he not too old?’

“When he came to the club he couldn’t speak English but he could speak with his feet. In the first training session, everyone just said: ‘Wow!’.’’

Riseth admits he was different to the Czech and the Swede and said: “I was lucky in that I could play in a lot of positions. Obviously, I was no Lubo or Henrik but my versatility meant I played a lot of games.

“Kenny Dalglish told me when he took over from John Barnes: ‘You are like a potato – we can use you everywhere’. He meant that I may have been humble but I was useful.”

He added: “I went on to play for 1860 Munich in the Bundesliga but playing for Celtic was bigger for me.”

The former Celt is also delighted about the charitable purpose of his return to Celtic Park. He said: “That is the best thing about this game and the best thing about Celtic. I know how much the charitable origins of the club mean to the fans. It is going to be amazing.”

Henrik’s Heroes versus Lubo’s Legends will take place at Celtic Park on Sunday, May 28, 2017, with a 2pm KO.

Tickets are on general sale, on a first come first served basis – maximum of 10 per person – priced at £12 for adults and £6 for concessions*. 

Tickets are available to purchase online at www.celticfc.net, by calling 0871 226 1888** or by visiting the Celtic Ticket Office. Rail Seating does not apply to this match.

Premium tickets (£30) and corporate packages (£135) are also available by calling 0871 226 1888** (Option 4) or emailing [email protected] 

Net proceeds of the game will be devoted to Celtic FC Foundation, a charity aiming to uphold and promote the founding principles of our football club. The four priorities are to improve health, promote equality, encourage learning and tackle poverty and the Foundation have a strong track record of delivering successful community-based projects. There will be detailed projects in relation to proceeds from this match in due course.

* Concessions 65+/Under 16s.

** Calls cost 13p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge. Booking fees apply online and via our sales line.