English Championship star wants exciting Celtic testimonial clash to celebrate career

Celtic fans have seen some brilliant testimonial matches over the years as supporters come together to celebrate the achievements of a chosen player during their career.

At the beginning of last season, James Forrest was the center of attention as the Bhoys took on Athletic Club in Glasgow’s east end, raising money for Kilbryde Hospice and the Celtic FC Foundation.

Charity is at the heart of this special football club and Celtic always make an effort to fundraise for noble causes. Only last weekend, a team of Legends traveled down to face Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Winning on penalties in front of an away crowd estimated to be around 3,000, the club helped put on a showcase that will benefit their own foundation and the Manchester United Foundation as both aim to carry out community work and alleviate poverty in their respective areas and further afield.

In a long-standing tradition of organizing occasions with charity at its heart that looks set to continue, Sheffield Wednesday’s captain has signaled his intention to face Celtic in his own testimonial.

Barry Bannan would like Celtic testimonial

Former Scotland international Barry Bannan is a well-known figure among Celtic supporters and a lifelong club fan, something he makes no secret of in public.

The Sheffield Wednesday skipper has revealed that he would like to face his childhood heroes when he is due his testimonial. He has been at Hillsborough since 2015.

Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images

Speaking to The Sheffield Star, the 34-year-old has indicated that Aston Villa would be an ideal opponent due to his time spent there if Celtic are unable to participate.

He explained when asked: “I think everybody knows! (who he would like to face). If not them, then maybe I’d have one of my old teams, like Aston Villa or something, but I’m not bothered, to be honest. As long as all my home fans are here and my family, if you get a good turnout and your family are here then it would be great.”

Celtic supporters would welcome Bannan testimonal

In many ways, it feels like Bannan should’ve turned out for Celtic during his career, but that hasn’t transpired, and he has still gone on to enjoy a distinguished career at the top level.

Despite spending two years in the youth system between 2002 and 2004, the Scot made his name in England. That hasn’t stopped him from labeling being unable to play for the Bhoys as a regret’ he will live with for the rest of his life.

Bannan said: “I will never look back with regrets, but maybe the only regret is I never got the chance to play for Celtic, and that will always hurt me until the day I die.”

Celtic fans would welcome a testimonial involving Bannan if it ever were to arise. Who knows? Maybe he could still feature in the famous green and white!