Alan Thompson in Celtic return after 10 year exile as he compares Ange Postecoglou to managerial legend

Hoops legend Alan Thompson will be at Celtic Park on Sunday for the first time in 10 years.

It’s taken a decade for the scars to heal after he was dismissed as Neil Lennon’s right-hand man at the end of the 2011-12 season.

But this weekend, the 48-year-old will take his seat in the directors’ box along with his new partner Hayley to watch Ange Postecoglou’s side try to consolidate their lead at the top of the table against Dundee.

His presence at the game will be warmly welcomed by Celtic fans who idolised the midfielder during seven trophy-laden years at the club.

But for Thompson himself, it provides demonstrative proof that he’s in a good place again after some turbulent years.

“Everyone’s asking me why it’s taken so long - well, for starters, it’s the first official invite I’ve had in all that time,” said the Geordie, who still possesses the same cheeky sense of humour which was his trademark as a player.

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“Chris Trainer contacted me and I was delighted to take up his offer.”

Had the invitation arrived four or five years ago, Thompson would have politely declined.

“For a long time, I wasn’t ready to return,” he added. "I didn’t want to go back. It didn’t feel right.

“My time at Celtic did