One of Scottish football's greatest mysteries is finally being told as Peter Mullan joins feature documentary on Celtic icon's disappearance.

In 1975, George Connelly was regarded by many as one of the finest footballers in Europe. A key member of Celtic's legendary Quality Street Gang and the heir to the Lisbon Lions, his future seemed limitless. Then, at the height of his career, with the footballing world at his feet, he inexplicably walked away.

For almost fifty years, Celtic supporters have asked the same question:Whatever happened to George Connelly? Now, half a century on, George returns to answer it.

George Connelly: Far From The Madding Crowd is a feature-length documentary following George's extraordinary journey through fame, addiction, disappearance and redemption.

Filmed over seven years, the documentary features unprecedented access to Connelly and his family, alongside rare archive footage, personal video diaries and interviews with some of the biggest names in Celtic history, including Jim Craig, Lou Macari and Davie Hay.

The project has also attracted the support of acclaimed actor and filmmaker Peter Mullan, who has joined the production as Executive Producer.

The film's original score will be composed by Barry McKenna of Scottish rock band, Twin Atlantic.

Director Ged Fitzsimmons first tracked down Connelly living quietly in Clackmannan, where he had spent years away from the spotlight. What followed was an intimate and personal collaboration that has resulted in Connelly's first comprehensive on-screen account of a life that has fascinated generations of supporters.

Ged Fitzsimmons said:"When I first started this project, my priority was to challenge the narrative about George and instead celebrate him as an incredible success story, not just a career that was mysteriously cut short.

“Over 15 or 20 years, 99% of footballers do not achieve 1% of what George did in less than half of that time. But George's story goes far beyond football. It is a story about genius, pressure, masculinity, mental illness, addiction, and redemption.

“It is also about the unseen victims of these crises; the immediate family. For decades people have wondered what happened to George. This film finally gives him the opportunity to answer that question in his own words."

Peter Mullan said:"George Connelly's story is a powerful and poignant reflection on talent, vulnerability and the cost of fame. It's a story that deserves to be told with honesty and heart, and I am honoured to support a film that shines a light on a man who has remained a mystery to so many people for so long."

To complete the final stages of production, the filmmakers are today launching a public crowdfunding campaign supported by Creative Scotland. Eligible donations of up to £250 per supporter will be matched by Creative Scotland, up to a total match fund of £10,000.