Bosses at a popular Celtic pub in Govan have vowed the bar will return despite admitting it will be forced to close for 'up to a year' following a suspected fireraising attack.

The Tall Cranes pub on Craigton Road was targeted shortly after midnight on Tuesday, forcing the evacuation of a number of nearby buildings.

Police are now investigating the incident over fears the blaze was started deliberately.

Officers also confirmed it is the fourth time the bar has been targeted in fireraising incidents over the past year.

READ MORE: Police probe 'deliberate' blaze at Celtic pub in Govan

Pub chiefs conceded all staff will be out of a job until the bar can be returned to a safe state, but say they are planning to reopen following a closure of "six months to a year".

The pub describes itself as "The No1 Celtic Bar in Govan" and "Home of the Govan Emerald Celtic Supporters Club and the James Connolly Republican Flute Band". 

A defiant statement posted on Facebook read: "The pub was extensively damaged by an arsonist attack on Tuesday after the pub was shut at the time so thankfully no one was injured."

"However, the residents of nearby properties were forced to leave their homes due to the threat of explosions coming from gas bottles/kegs in the pub.

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"The result is the pub will be closed for approximately six months to a year resulting in all members of staff losing their jobs.

"On the plus side, the pub will reopen and with a new look.

"Some say long overdue and I agree.

"I appreciate all your messages of support over the last few days.

"The more they try to break us, the more they bond us together."

Inquiries into the cause of the fire are ongoing.