Scottish football’s great tapestry has been made all the richer by the variety of threads which have been interwoven across 150 years.
A nation which has prided itself on seeing homegrown sides conquer Europe also takes delight in witnessing its finest exports excel on foreign soil.
This does not preclude any observer from appreciating how much poorer the domestic game would be without a willingness to open our doors.
While the mass importation of mediocrity is a constant threat to the aspirations of our next generation, the acquisition of supreme talents from down south and abroad should always be valued and encouraged.
Who cares if their stays here are becoming increasingly short? Provided they enhance our sport, entertain, educate others and enrich their clubs before moving on to bigger things, that should never be a concern. It is, indeed, something to be celebrated.
So here is the countdown of Scottish football’s best imports. Let the debate begin.
The legendary George Best in action for Hibernian against St Mirren in 1979
50. George Best
George Best’s time in Scotland may have been brief, but it was certainly memorable. To Hibernian fans, at least.
The former Manchester United legend spent less than 12 months strutting around the Easter Road turf, scoring three times in 22 league appearances. Hardly eye-catching.
But those boots still contained some magic. Scarcely believable performances against both halves of the Old Firm would attest to that.
Considering he was part of a squad which was relegated from the top tier, not to mention being banned by the club for indulging in a heavy drinking session with the French rugby team in Edinburgh – yes, you read that right – it’s hard to believe he is still held in such esteem amongst Hibernian supports.
Geniuses – even the flawed ones – tend to have that effect.
England striker Ian Wright joined Celtic on loan from West Ham in 1989
49. Ian Wright
Having been brought in on loan as a replacement for Henrik Larsson following the Swede’s leg break against Lyon, Wright was on a hiding to nothing.
He got off to the perfect start with a debut goal at home against Kilmarnock, but just two more were to follow as Celtic toiled under a clearly out-of-his-depth John Barnes.
Wright – part of the team which famously lost 3-1 to Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the Scottish Cup – could never quite recreate the kind of form which made him a bona fide legend at Arsenal earlier in his career.
Manchester United legend Roy Keane celebrates scoring for Celtic against Falkirk in 2006
48. Roy Keane
For a man whose list of achievements in football can stand up against the best of them, it’s a shame that his time in Scotland will forever be associated with a bleak afternoon on the outskirts of Cumbernauld.
Yes, that 2-1 defeat to lowly Clyde in the Scottish Cup still sends shivers down the spine of many a Celtic fan almost two decades on. As far as debuts go, it was the stuff of nightmares.
Yet it turned out to be a largely successful six-month period in Glasgow for the former Republic of Ireland and Manchester United captain, who won a Premier League and League Cup double under Gordon Strachan.
His imperious display in a crucial 2-1 win over Rangers at Ibrox during the league run-in proved he could still be counted on at the top level.
Aged 34, he was forced to retire that summer on medical advice. A sad end to an extraordinary career.
Spain star Victor Munoz playing in the 1986 World Cup before his surprise move to St Mirren
47. Victor Munoz
When the Spaniard signed for St Mirren in 1990, he was aged 33, had played for his country 60 times and had won multiple honours with Barcelona and Sampdoria.
There was a legitimate fear that the Buddies had been duped into signing a player who was over the hill. This was immediately seen to be unfounded.
While he only lasted six months in Paisley, where he joined with ex-Barca team-mate Steve Archibald, he was utterly majestic.
Self-confessed Celtic fan Robbie Keane scored 12 goals in 16 games in 2010
46. Robbie Keane
Everyone loves a bit of drama on deadline day, and Celtic fans were out in force to see it all unfold on a bitterly cold night back in February 2010.
The loan signing of Tottenham forward Robbie Keane represented something of a coup for then manager Tony Mowbray, but you get the impression that the boyhood fan would have played at Parkhead for free.
Donning the No. 7 worn by the likes of Jimmy Johnstone and Henrik Larsson, Keane scored 12 goals in 16 league appearances during the second half of the season, and was frankly a constant pest to opposition defenders.
While he was unable to help deliver any silverware, fans crowned him their Player of the Year. Keane was a chink of light in an otherwise dire campaign.
Craig Bellamy joined Celtic on loan from Blackburn Rovers in 2005
45. Craig Bellamy
The fact that Craig Bellamy’s loan move to Celtic came as a direct result of a falling out with former Rangers boss Graeme Souness at Blackburn Rovers meant he was off to a good start with the Parkhead support.
A sublime hat-trick against Dundee United was soon followed up by netting the opening goal in a 2-1 Old Firm win at Ibrox, but his efforts proved to be in vain after seeing the league title slip away on the final day of the season with defeat at Motherwell.
He did at least pick up some silverware, lifting the Scottish Cup – the first major honour of his career – the following week at Hampden.
His refusal to sign a Rangers top on a visit to Glasgow with Manchester City several years later demonstrated his respect for his previous employers. Or dislike of his former rivals.
Either way, Celtic fans loved it.
Mark Walters and Richard Gough celebrate after helping Rangers win the League Cup in 1990
44. Mark Walters
With English clubs banned from European competition, players jumped at the chance to test themselves against the best on the continent at Rangers.
Mark Walters enjoyed a stellar career at Aston Villa throughout the 80s, and arrived in Glasgow with decent pedigree.
As the only black man in the Scottish top flight, he was subjected to abhorrent racist abuse from the stands throughout his time here, but he refused to buckle, and became one of Rangers’ most consistent performers on the left of midfield.
Three straight Scottish Premier Division triumphs later, he returned to England with Liverpool.
A trailblazer, with talent to boot.
Mixu Paatelainen celebrates after scoring for Hibernian against Hearts in 2000
43. Mixu Paatelainen
Played for new fewer than six Scottish sides in between spells in England and France and is fondly remembered at them all.
Introduced to life here when he joined Jim McLean’s Dundee United in 1987, his free-scoring exploits took him to Aberdeen, Hibs (twice), St Johnstone, St Mirren and Cowdenbeath.
Managed to overshadow the hat-trick he claimed for the Easter Road club in a 6-2 win over Hearts by going head-over-heels in celebration.
Had the misfortune to play in Scottish Cup finals for three different sides and lost them all. A big man who made a huge impression wherever he went.
Sergei Baltacha played for St Johnstone for three seasons in the 1990s
42. Sergei Baltacha
A sublime defender who graced St Johnstone’s jersey for three seasons from 1990 when he could have been playing at any club in Europe.
Developed by the legendary Valeriy Lobanovskyi, Baltacha played for Dynamo Kyiv for a dozen years during which he won the Cup Winners’ Cup and the Soviet league and cup, both on four occasions.
Featured for the Soviet Union at the 1980 Olympics, the 1982 World Cup – where he scored – and the 1988 European Championships before a spell at Ipswich and a move north.
Nomadic English striker Simon Stainrod helped Falkirk to the First Division title in 1991
41. Simon Stainrod
There’s no doubt First Division Falkirk got more than they bargained for when they paid French club Rouen £100,000 to sign Stainrod in 1990.
The much-travelled English striker left two years, 60 appearances and 21 goals later to join Dundee as player-manager. But Bairns supporters still talk about Jim Jefferies’ legendary side – led by captain Stainrod – that won promotion to the Premier Division with a thrilling brand of attacking football.
Nicknamed ‘God’ by the Brockville faithful, Stainrod did not score ordinary goals. From chipping St Johnstone goalkeeper Lindsay Hamilton from the halfway line at McDiarmid Park to sealing a famous win over Celtic with a brilliant diving header.
Stefan Klos and his Rangers team-mates celebrate after winning the 2002 Scottish Cup
40. Stefan Klos
The German arrived at Ibrox in 1998 as a Champions League winner having lifted the trophy with Borussia Dortmund the previous year and lived up to his star billing.
Across nine years at Ibrox, he made extraordinary saves look almost routine and is considered one of the finest goalkeepers in the club’s history.
Kept six consecutive clean sheets to help Rangers lift the treble in 2002/03 and would go on to win 10 major honours.
England midfielder Ray Wilkins made more than 60 appearances for Rangers
39. Ray Wilkins
The Englishman was an influential figure at the heart of the Rangers side whose league triumph in the 1989-90 season kickstarted a relentless period of domination for the Glasgow giants which delivered eight more titles on the trot.
An elegant midfielder with an uncanny ability to make the beautiful game look beautifully simple, he was a class act.
His thunderbolt against Celtic during a 5-1 thumping in August 1988 – one of just two goals he scored for the club in more than 60 appearances – is still fondly remembered by those who were there to see it.
Swedish winger Orjan Persson played for Dundee United and Rangers in the 1960s
38. Orjan Persson
The Swede was the first of five Scandinavian imports signed by Dundee United manager Jerry Kerr in the mid 60s.
His wing play lit up Tannadice and ensured United first steered clear of relegation before taking them into Europe for the first time.
Had three years at Rangers from 1967 where he only seemed to score spectacular goals. Featured for Sweden in successive World Cups.
Paolo Di Canio had one eventful season at Celtic before leaving for Sheffield Wednesday
37. Paolo Di Canio
Only played one season with Celtic after joining from AC Milan in 1996 and didn’t actually win anything.
But his skills were nothing short of mesmerising. The Italian could do things with a football that others couldn’t even imagine. A born entertainer with a short fuse, no game he was involved in was ever dull.
Left for Sheffield Wednesday after famously having a ‘little problem’ with Fergus McCann. Didn’t exactly become a Trappist monk in England.
Istvan Kozman joined Dunfermline from Bordeaux and was sold on to Liverpool
36. Istvan Kozma
The midfielder sprinkled star dust on East End Park for three years from 1989.
Signed by Jim Leishman for £550,000 from Bordeaux, still Dunfermline’s record transfer fee, the Hungarian could win games on his own and often did.
His performance as he hit a hat-trick against St Mirren in 1989 is part of Pars’ folklore. Moved to Liverpool under Graeme Souness in 1992.
South African born Johnny Hubbard was known as the ‘penalty king of Ibrox’
35. Johnny Hubbard
The man who’d eventually become known as the ‘penalty king of Ibrox’ actually had numerous claims to fame.
Born in Pretoria, he signed for Rangers in 1949 and became the first African player to complete in the European Cup when he faced Nice in 1956 and was also the first from that continent to score a goal in the competition.
It was his exploits from 12 yards out for which the winger is best remembered. Hubbard scored 65 of the 68 spot-kicks he took including a run of 22 consecutive conversions.
Theo Snelders celebrates after helping Aberdeen win the 1990 Scottish Cup final
34. Theo Snelders
Signed by Aberdeen from FC Twente in 1988, the keeper had the unenviable task of replacing Jim Leighton yet demonstrated himself to be considered a worthy successor to the Gothenburg great.
The Dutchman had presence and prowess. He won the PFA player of the year award in his first season and lifted the League Cup and the Scottish Cup in his second, with his penalty save to deny Celtic’s Anton Rogan pivotal.
Had five years as a back-up at Rangers but the Dons, unquestionably, saw the best of him.
Jorg ‘The Hammer’ Albertz scored 69 goals for Rangers in 189 appearances
33. Jorg Albertz
The German midfielder did score some ordinary goals during his five years with Rangers. It just didn’t feel like it.
Capable of launching shots that were akin to guided missiles, he’d no fear of trying his luck from any distance.
Best remembered for a particularly outrageous strike against Celtic in 1997, he earned the sobriquet The Hammer.
Dutch striker Pierre van Hooijdonk played 92 games for Celtic, scoring 56 goals
32. Pierre van Hooijdonk
Signed by Tommy Burns from NAC Breda midway through season 1994-95, Van Hooijdonk was tasked with ending Celtic’s trophy drought which was threatening to extend to six seasons.
It took him just five months to deliver with his towering header against Airdrie claiming the Scottish Cup.
Not just a great goalscorer but a scorer of great goals. His free-kicks, in particular, were a thing of wonder. Managed to score 32 times in his first full season.
His time in Glasgow ended badly when he fell out with Fergus McCann, but there was no disputing what a fearsome proposition the Dutchman was at his peak.
Jorge Cadete scored 38 goals for Celtic in his first season in Scotland
31. Jorge Cadete
He second of the Three Amigos to arrive at Celtic when he signed from Sporting Lisbon, the noise which greeted his debut goal against Aberdeen blew out radio microphones.
The Portuguese terrorised defenders in his only full season in Glasgow with his pace, skill and effortless finishing. Scored 38 goals that year without taking a single penalty.
Once named his pet bird Fergus. No explanation required. Appeared in Portugal’s version of Big Brother. And briefly played for Patrick Thistle. Bonkers but utterly brilliant.
Czech midfielder Rudi Skacel won two Scottish Cups with Hearts
30. Rudi Skacel
The Czech midfielder’s journey prior to signing for Hearts initially on loan in 2006 spoke to his pedigree; Slavia Prague, Marseilles and Panathinaikos.
Having helped the Gorgie men to one Scottish Cup against Gretna in 2006, he moved to Southampton, but returned to Tynecastle and repeated the trick by scoring twice in the 5-1 win over Hibs in 2012. Finished as the club’s top scorer in successive seasons.
Wasn’t the same player when he pulled on the colours of Dundee United and Raith Rovers and certainly didn’t seek to win popularity contests with opposing fans. None would dispute how exceptional he was in a maroon jersey.
Danish goalkeeper Erik Sorensen played 232 times for Morton in the 1960s
29. Erik Sorensen
When he came to Morton for a trial game in 1963, manager Hal Stewart refused to name him for fear that another club would come in. Thus the Danish keeper became known in the media as ‘The Man in Black’ – a reference to his unusual kit.
Played 232 times across seven years at Cappielow either side of a single season with Rangers. The 24 clean sheets he recorded at the Tail of the Bank in 1966-67 remains a club record.
Sacrificed his international career to stay in Scotland until Denmark dropped their ‘amateurs only’ policy.
Seen as being ahead of his time, Sorensen made as big a contribution to Morton as any of the slew of Danes that Stewart brought in in that era.
Amoruso scored the winning goal for Rangers in the 2003 Scottish Cup final against Dundee
28. Lorenzo Amoruso
Endured a tough start to life at Rangers after joining from Fiorentina in 1997 when he suffered an Achilles injury.
Recovered to take the captain’s armband under Dick Advocaat, saw off several challengers for his position then endured a loss in form.
Bounced back spectacularly under Alex McLeish, though, winning five out of six trophies in what proved to be his final two years on Glasgow.
Signed off by scoring the winning goal against Dundee in the 2003 Scottish Cup final.
Irish goalkeeper Pat Bonner made over 500 appearances for Celtic
27. Pat Bonner
The Irish shot-stopper spent his entire professional career at Celtic, making over 500 appearances for the club.
It would have been easy enough to jump ship in search of more success during that time, with trophies hard to come by in Glasgow’s east end. The fact he celebrated just five league titles in almost 20 years is something of a travesty.
Bonner’s performances between the sticks at club level saw him earn 80 caps for his country, where he is still revered as one of the nation’s all-time sporting heroes.
A dramatic penalty shootout save in the 1990 World Cup second round against Romania which helped seal their progression to the last eight is the stuff of legends on the Emerald Isle.
Artur Boruc helped Celtic to the last-16 of the Champions League two years running
26. Artur Boruc
Honoured the long-standing tradition of the best goalkeepers being a little bit off the wall.
On his day, though, the Pole was more like a brick wall, breaking strikers’ hearts up and down the land with saves which defied all logic.
Won three titles in his four years with Celtic and helped take Gordon Strachan’s side to the last 16 of the Champions League in successive seasons. Set a new standard for keepers at Parkhead.
Dutch midfielder Ronald de Boer signed for Rangers from Barcelona in 2000
25. Ronald de Boer
Arrived at Rangers at the turn of the century having won the Champions League with Ajax, but having struggled at Barcelona. It’s fair to say his confidence hadn’t suffered.
Added goals, guile and class to the side under both Advocaat and McLeish and was an instrumental part of the team which won the treble on 2003.
Many would argue they he was the most naturally gifted player in an era when Ibrox was littered with top talents.
English midfielder Trevor Steven won seven league titles and three League Cups at Ibrox
24. Trevor Steven
The English midfielder’s arrival at Rangers went somewhat under the radar amid a flurry of high-profile signings – not least that of Mo Johnston – but he would become a mainstay in the team which won the league title in his first season.
A move to Marseille didn’t pan out as he’d hoped, and it wasn’t long before he was back in Glasgow to help the club add more silverware to their collection at the expense of city rivals Celtic.
Seven league title wins and three League Cups represented a more than decent return from a talented player who often flew under the radar.
Morelos is Rangers’ record European goalscorer with 29 goals in continental competition
23. Alfredo Morelos
Enough has been said about Rangers’ failure to cash in on him when the time was right and his subsequent transgressions.
At his peak, the Colombian was the real deal in a Rangers jersey. Aggressive, brave and clinical, he bullied defenders and scored barrels of goals.
Whatever you might think about his temperament and lack of focus off the field, he scored 29 times to become the club’s record European goalscorer. It will be a long time before anyone takes that off him.
Welsh striker John Hartson won six trophies in five years at Celtic
22. John Hartson
John Hartson’s status as a Celtic icon isn’t up for debate. Yet it could have been so very different.
The big frontman had all but signed on the dotted line at Rangers just one year before pulling on the Hoops, but a failed medical torpedoed the deal.
It turned out to be a blessing in disguise for the Welshman, who was snapped up by Martin O’Neill the following summer for a fee of around £6m. The rest, as they say, is history.
He would go on to win six trophies during five years at Parkhead, and was instrumental in the team’s historic run to the 2003 UEFA Cup final, with his stunning long-range strike in a 2-0 quarter-final victory over Liverpool undoubtedly his standout moment.
Japanese striker Kyogo Furuhashi scored seven goals against Rangers in a calendar year
21. Kyogo Furuhashi
Had the stealth of a cat burglar and predatory instincts that should have been contained in a nature reserve.
After joining Celtic from Vissel Kobe, he provided weekly clinics in how to outfox defenders through shrewd movement.
Became the first Celtic player in history to score seven goals against Rangers in a calendar year. By common consent, the club’s greatest striker since the days of Henrik Larsson.
Dutch star Giovanni van Bronckhorst won five major honours with Rangers
20. Giovanni van Bronckhorst
His pedigree could be seen from outer-space. Unfailingly oozed class in Rangers’ star-studded midfield across three years from 1998 as he won five major honours.
In the finest traditions of Total Football, he could play anywhere. As comfortable at left-back as a more advanced position.
Signed to replace Emmanuel Petit at Arsenal, he went on to win the Premier League in North London and the Champions League with Barcelona as he chalked up 106 caps for the Netherlands. Rangers were just grateful they had him for so long.
Great Dane Finn Dossing scored 76 goals in 115 appearances for Dundee United
19. Finn Dossing
Dundee United’s own Great Dane was part of the wave of Scandinavian stars that arrived on our shores in the 1960s.
From the minute he signed from Viborg, he ruled supreme for three years as the Tannadice club’s number nine, scoring 76 goals in 115 appearances.
Scored just 14 seconds into a game against Hamilton. Claimed a hat-trick on the day United hit five without reply along the road in what became known as the Dens Park massacre in 1965. Netted the winner against Juventus in the Fairs Cup in 1966.
If he were around these days, his transfer fee would look like a telephone number.
Virgil van Dijk was a majestic presence during his two years at Celtic
18. Virgil van Dijk
After his first training session as a Celtic player, Neil Lennon told the Dutchman to enjoy his time in Glasgow while it lasted as he wouldn’t be there for long.
Lennon had seen the defender at Groningen and couldn’t believe that the big clubs in the Netherlands weren’t in for him.
Actually had a few difficult moments in his first season at Parkhead, but once he was up to speed he cruised through matches.
Year-on-year improvement with Southampton and Liverpool turned him into the best defender in the world.
World Cup star Claudio Caniggia scored eight goals in 25 appearances for Dundee
17. Claudio Caniggia
Around the turn of the century, trips to Dens Park felt like you were going through the looking glass. None was more surreal than the day the Argentinian legend was paraded.
This was Diego Maradona’s partner in crime, a man who counted River Plate, Roma, Benfica and Atalanta among his former clubs. Even at the age of 33, El Pajaro (The Bird) could still fly.
Became a Dundee legend in the space of a season before two years with Rangers where he won five trophies.
Arthur Numan won 10 trophies in his five-year spell at Rangers
16. Arthur Numan
Arrived in 1998 as a Dutch World Cup star and dazzled on the Ibrox stage for five seasons.
Tenacious in the tackle, he could instigate attacks with his laser-like passing and dribbling skills. Applied grey matter when facing opponents who could outpace him.
Would have made more appearances in light blue had it not been for injuries yet still lifted 10 honours in Glasgow before retiring.
Northern Irish midfielder Neil Lennon was a key player for Celtic under Martin O’Neill
15. Neil Lennon
Alongside Paul Lambert, Lennon was paramount to Celtic’s resurgence under Martin O’Neill having followed his former Leicester City manager north in 2000.
Indeed, his transfer was very much priority No 1 in the eyes of the new Parkhead boss.
A fierce competitor, he provided the platform from on which his more, let’s say, naturally gifted colleagues could shine. Doing the dirty work was his bread and butter.
The Northern Irishman also managed the club over two successful spells, winning 10 trophies and orchestrated one of their most iconic European victories: a 2-1 win over a Barcelona side featuring the likes of Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, and Lionel Messi.
Lennon guided Hibernian to promotion from the Scottish Championship, and made his return to the second tier earlier this year after taking over at Dunfermline Athletic.
Bulgarian midfielder Stiliyan Petrov made 288 appearances for Celtic, scoring 64 goals
14. Stiliyan Petrov
The Bulgarian spent his first year under John Barnes at Celtic playing out of position at right-back.
Felt so isolated off the park that he worked in his friend’s burger van so he could learn English.
Was completely transformed the minute Martin O’Neill walked in the door in 2000.
A dynamic box-to-box midfielder, Petrov would reach double-figures in three of his six subsequent seasons in Glasgow.
A mainstay of the side which dominated in Scotland and reached the 2003 UEFA Cup final.
Danish full-back Kai Johansen joined Morton before moving to Rangers in the 1960s
13. Kai Johansen
Another one of the dozen Danes the legendary Hal Stewart took to Cappielow in the 60s, the full-back made such an impression on Scot Simon that he paid £20,000 to take him to Rangers.
Having been frustrated at Simon’s unwillingness to let him make his trademark explosive forward runs, King Kai, as he became known, made his feelings clear.
Simon relented. His faith was rewarded with Johansen netting the only goal of the 1966 Scottish Cup final replay against Celtic with the player also instrumental in the side’s run to run to the 1967 European Cup Winners’ Cup final, where they lost to Bayern Munich.
Gillhaus (right) celebrates Aberdeen’s 1990 Scottish Cup win with Snelders and McLeish
12. Hans Gillhaus
When Aberdeen signed the forward from PSV Eindhoven in 1989, his acquisition seemed too good to be true. It turned out, it wasn’t.
Having started out with Den Bosch, this was the man PSV Eindhoven turned to when they sold Ruud Gullit to AC Milan. He won the treble there in his first season, including the European Cup, but agreed to move to the Dons for £650,000 because Romario was first choice.
Proved to be the perfect foil for Charlie Nicholas. Announced himself with an outrageous overhead kick as he scored twice against Dunfermline, his exceptional talent lit up Pittodrie across three seasons.
Terry Butcher won three titles and two League Cups for Rangers after signing from Ipswich
11. Terry Butcher
Look up no-nonsense in the dictionary, and you’ll likely find a mugshot of Terry Butcher.
The centre-half was appointed Rangers captain by manager Graeme Souness immediately after making the move from Ipswich Town in 1986, and lifted three titles and two League Cup trophies during his time north of the border.
The England stalwart once famously booted the referee’s door off the hinges following an ill-tempered clash at Pittodrie. Subtlety was never his strong suit.
As a manager, he went on to win promotion to the top flight with Inverness Caledonian Thistle before guiding them to a first-ever top-six finish.
Hungarian Zoltan Varga played 31 games for Aberdeen in 1972-73 before moving to Ajax
10. Zoltan Varga
The Hungarian would have been nowhere near Scottish football were it not a for a betting scandal.
A star for Ferencvaros in the 1960s, he signed for Hertha Berlin but was banned from German football for two years when he was caught up in match fixing.
The midfielder only played 31 times for Aberdeen in 1972-73 yet his outrageous skill and passing ability left an indelible mark.
Would have stayed for longer in the Granite City had Ajax not been seeking a replacement for Barcelona-bound Johan Cruyff.
Scott McDonald scored 51 goals in 88 appearances for Celtic
9. Scott McDonald
The Celtic supporter from Australia became the toast of every Rangers fan throughout the world when his late double for Motherwell saw the title dramatically go to Ibrox in 2005 on what became known as Helicopter Sunday.
It needed a strong character to subsequently sign on the dotted line at Parkhead and earn the affections of the green and white legions but he managed to do that.
Amid a blizzard of goals came a late winner against reigning European champions AC Milan and a brace against Rangers as the 2008 title race came down the home straight.
Slovak midfielder Lubomir Moravcik proved to be a bargain signing for Celtic
8. Lubomir Moravcik
While it’s not quite accurate to say that the midfielder’s career prior to joining Celtic took place in obscurity, it remains a mystery why his talent wasn’t given a bigger stage than the likes of Bastia and MSV Duisburg.
Zinedine Zidane certainly thought so. The Frenchman claimed Moravcik was one of the best No10s he’d ever seen.
Despite playing with him for four years, Henrik Larsson still couldn’t say which one of the Slovak’s feet was the stronger.
He once trapped a long ball with his backside. In the classic 4-3 match against Juventus, he nutmegged Pavel Nedved. He could stop like an ice skater and make international defenders look like pub players. And all for £330,000.
Japanese international Nakamura was a set-piece specialist in his time at Celtic
7. Shunsuke Nakamura
The free-kicks alone were a thing of wonder. He won a league with one at Rugby Park. His 30-yarder against Manchester United’s Edwin van der Sar might just win any argument over the best one ever witnessed in the Champions League.
Yet there saw so much more to Celtic’s Japanese midfielder. Gordon Strachan signed him from lowly Reggina as Martin O’Neill’s great Seville side came to its natural end.
His touch, creative imagination and ability to execute outrageous passes were astounding. They earned him five major honours and a Ballon d’Or nomination.
Invariably immersed in ice baths or pounding a treadmill the minute he left the park, his commitment to his craft knew no limits. It helped take Celtic to dizzying heights.
Champions League winner Sauzee earned the nickname ‘Le God’ during his spell at Hibernian
6. Franck Sauzee
Le God wasn’t everywhere during his spell with Hibs. For opposing strikers, there must have been times when it just felt like it.
Sauzee was heading towards 34 when Alex McLeish somehow persuaded the man who’d won the Champions League with Marseilles to move to Leith.
The Frenchman was impervious to the advancing years, though. Skillful, tough and possessing a cannon of a left-foot, he instinctively knew where to be on the pitch at the right time.
Whether deployed in midfield or latterly in a back-three, he was a colossus.
He famously brought champagne into the dressing room to celebrate a victory over Hearts before the game. Hibs won 6-2. He was never on the losing side in a derby.
Each day, the Easter Road faithful give thanks that he walked among them.
England striker Chris Sutton won eight trophies in his six seasons at Celtic
5. Chris Sutton
Sutton formed one half of the UK’s most feared striker partnerships at Blackburn Rovers alongside Alan Shearer, and the Premier League winner would repeat the trick at Celtic.
Henrik Larsson’s already elite game hit new heights when Sutton arrived from Chelsea in 2000, with the pair instantly developing an almost telepathic relationship.
A debut goal against Dundee United before a double – one of which coming after just 18 seconds – in a 6-2 annihilation of Rangers just a few weeks later got his Celtic career off to a flying start, and he never looked back.
Eight honours over six seasons tells its own story.
Rangers paid Lazio £4.3m to sign England playmaker Paul Gascoigne
4. Paul Gascoigne
Gazza may not have been at the peak of his powers when he opted to swap Serie A for central Scotland in the summer of 1995, but his natural talent was there for all to see.
The cheeky – not to mention, controversial – Geordie burst on to the scene at Newcastle United in the mid-80s, and went on to become a world-class operator at Tottenham – where he was nominated for the Ballon d’Or – before landing at Lazio.
Walter Smith convinced the Rangers board to part with a club-record £4.3m to lure him away from the Italian capital, and needless to say, he was worth every penny.
He slotted into a side already brimming with quality, winning four trophies in three spellbinding seasons, and his contribution was formally recognised with a berth in the Rangers Hall of Fame.
The sheer delight he took in winding up Celtic supporters was an added bonus for the Rangers faithful, who regard him as one of the greatest players to ever pull on the famous blue jersey.
Mark Hateley won the league every season he played for Rangers
3. Mark Hateley
Having starred on the continent at AC Milan and Monaco – where he played under a certain Arsene Wenger – Hateley returned to the UK in 1990, joining several of his English international team-mates at Ibrox.
Five league titles on the bounce followed, with Hateley leading the line alongside Ally McCoist.
But it would be foolish to suggest that there was more to his game than simply being a target man. He stands amongst a select few to have netted over 100 goals for the club, and remarkably, lifted the league trophy in every season he was on the books.
Danish star Brian Laudrup lit up Scottish football during his four seasons at Rangers
2. Brian Laudrup
The Dane shone so brightly at Ibrox across four seasons that retinas could have been damaged.
Elegant, creative and rapid across the turf, his close control let him jink past opponents who gave the impression they were shop window mannequins.
He had versatility to go with his artistry. Whether playing out wide, in midfield or occasionally as a forward, he provided moments of breathtaking quality. His flying header at Tannadice in 1997 sealed a record equalling nine-in-a-row.
A world class talent who gave Rangers glory throughout his peak years, he set a standard for outsiders which remains impossibly high.
Swedish striker Henrik Larsson scored 242 goals in 315 games at Celtic
1. Henrik Larsson
Might have needed to leave by the back door at Easter Road after a forgettable debut there in 1997. By the time the curtain came down on his Celtic career, they were calling for a sedan chair.
The Swede would have been classed among Parkhead’s all-time greats if he’d only been passing through. Yet, he gave them seven years and his best years at that.
Even in a Celtic side brimming with exceptional players, Larsson was on a plane of his own.
His finishing was sublime. He could dribble and could hang in the air to head the ball. His appreciation of space was extraordinary. He could play as an orthodox striker or in a supporting role.
All of these qualities were ballasted by unstinting application and professionalism.
He scored 242 goals in 315 games. It would have been more had he not broken his leg in Lyon.
He still found time to come off the bench and win the Champions League for Barcelona.
Fans of the Catalan club will forever regret that they didn’t see more of the Swede. Celtic supporters will never tire of telling them what they were missing.
