GORDON Strachan and his players took time out from Celtic’s preseason trip to Poland on Wednesday (July 5) to pay a visit to the children at Krakow’s Polish and American Children’s Hospital.

The manager and his squad are presently in Eastern Europe for a double-header of friendly matches against Legia Warsaw and Wisla Krakow and after flying in to Krakow this afternoon a group made the journey across the city to meet with the children.

The Polish and American Children’s Hospital is part-funded by donations from America and enjoys strong links with local club, Wisla and the Celtic manager and players received a warm welcome from both the children and their families and hospital staff alike.

During the visit Shaun Maloney, Charlie Mulgrew, Paul Lawson, Craig Beattie and Aiden McGeady met with the children, handing out gifts from the club and even meeting with one young Celtic supporter.

The club has grown in popularity in Poland since Maciej Zurawski’s move to Glasgow and as the hospital director explained, the visit meant much to the children and their families.

“Footballers give so much joy to the children who love the game and follow every step that the players make,” he commented.

“There are strong links between Poland and Scotland and in World War II the Polish army trained in Scotland and a number of people from Krakow in particular were based there.

“We are glad that the links continue today and we thank the players and manager of Celtic for taking the time to visit us.”

Gordon Strachan responded: “We appreciate this opportunity to come and visit the children of Krakow and we hope that they have enjoyed this day.

“Celtic Football Club was founded on charitable ideals and it is important that the club continues to uphold those traditions.

“The players make several such visits to hospitals in Scotland every year and we appreciate the dedication and hard work of the doctors and nursing staff and we are delighted to have received such a warm welcome.”