CELTIC star Bobby Carroll has passed away at the age of 77.

The club announced the news today on their official website.

The club said: "Everyone at Celtic is saddened to hear of the death of former player, Bobby Carroll, who has passed away at the age of 77.

"Bobby, who played for Celtic between 1959 to 63, made 78 appearances, scoring 28 goals. His most famous goal, and one which assured his place in the Celtic history books, came on September 26, 1962 in the first round of the Fairs Cities Cup against Valencia.

"Bobby’s goal in that 4-2 defeat was the first goal scored in European competition by a Celtic player. He had also fired in the shot which took a deflection off a Valencia player for Celtic’s first goal in the game, so he always had a valid claim for having scored the club’s first ever European goal as well."

The player joined the club in September 1957 from Irvine Meadow where he a prolific goal scorer at junior level.

He made his debut in the League Cup tie against Partick Thistle on August 12, 1959.

The first of his 28 goals for the Hoops came just three days later when he scored in a 4-2 defeat away to Airdrie in the same competition.

He left Celtic for St Mirren in February 1963 and returned to Celtic Park with his new team just a few weeks later, helping them to a 1-1 draw.

The player also had spells with Dundee United, Coleraine and Queen of the South, and he rejoined Irvine Meadow where he finished his career.

A spokesman for Celtic added: "The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Celtic are with Bobby’s wife, Ann, his family and friends at this very sad time."