Bertie Auld sees red for Scotland and Jinky’s nightmare at Kilmarnock
One of Celtic’s most celebrated sons was Bertie Auld. However, his record in debut matches left something to be desired, both at Celtic and elsewhere.
Auld’s first Celtic debut was in October 1957. This involved a trip to Ibrox for a Charity Cup game, with Celtic losing 1-0 to Rangers. Bertie left Parkhead and returned in 1965, and his second Celtic ‘debut’ game was a 2-1 defeat to Hearts.
However, his most notable introduction came not in Celtic’s green but the dark blue of Scotland. In 1959, he made three appearances for Scotland, the only time he played for the national team.
In his first match, the Scots beat the Netherlands 2-1. However, at the end of the match, Bertie was sent off for retaliation. This made him the first ever player to be sent off for Scotland.
This experience of losing debut matches extended to other Lisbon Lions too. Jimmy Johnstone’s Celtic bow came in 1963 in a League match at Rugby Park. Unfortunately for Jinky, his team lost 6-0 to Kilmarnock, a sign of the club’s troubled times. Still, better days lay ahead for him.
Willie Goldie in Goals for Airdrie against Laurie Reilly Hibs Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser 05 October 1957.
Willie Goldie’s unique debut for Celtic
One of the more unusual – and unfortunate debuts – involved Willie Goldie in 1960. A goalkeeper, Goldie travelled to watch Celtic play in Airdrie in October 1960.
Although he was a Celtic player, Goldie was not playing and instead went with fans to watch the team. Celtic chairman Bob Kelly – who effectively picked the teams – was impressed at his dedication and asked him to play!
Unfortunately for Goldie, this was not a great day for the Celts. They lost 2-0 and many people blamed the ‘keeper for the Airdrie goals. This ended up being his only first team match for the Celts.
