Debut doubles for Ramon Vega and Tony Watt
Despite being a defender, Ramon Vega also managed a first game double as Celtic beat Aberdeen 6-0 in December 2000, and Tony Watt did the same in at Motherwell in 2012.
Even scoring once for the Celtic is a great achievement, and some single debut goals are especially celebrated.
Jorge Cadete debut goal knocked Radio 5 Live commentary off-air
Jorge Cadete’s 1996 introduction was as part of a fantastic 5-0 victory over Aberdeen. Cadete came on as a substitute and scored the fifth goal. So loud was the Celtic Park roar that greeted this that the Radio 5 Live commentary went off-air for a period.
Cadete’s first goal came two minutes after he came onto the park. One Celt took even less time to add his name to the Bhoys’ scoresheet.
Barry Robson’s first touch
Barry Robson signed for the Hoops in 2008. He went on to play a crucial role in that season’s remarkable league comeback which culminated in last day celebrations at Tannadice.
His first game was a League game at Pittodrie in February 2008. In the second half, with Celtic already 4-1 up, he came onto the park and Celtic were awarded a free-kick at the edge of the Aberdeen box. Having been on the park for only seconds – and with his first Celtic touch – he got his first goal.
Jack Aitchison’s ‘youngest player’ debut
For Jack Aitchison, May 2016 was a time never to be forgotten. He became Celtic’s youngest ever player when he came on against Motherwell in the final game of the season.
This was a day of celebration as it was trophy day at Celtic Park. And in a comprehensive 7-0 victory for the Bhoys, Aitchison capped the entire day by scoring when he had only been on the park for a minute.
Double debuts for Bhoys from Dundee Utd
Sometimes it is more than one player that gets to celebrate his debut with a goal. In February 2015, Stuart Armstrong and Gary Mackay-Steven both arrived from Dundee United.
Both men made their Celtic bow in an away game versus Partick Thistle. Mackay-Steven scored after only 43 seconds and Armstrong later got one too in a 3-0 victory.
It’s not just outfield players that can have a memorable debut, so can some goalkeepers too.
Bernard McCreadie played only one game for Celtic, which was a 1-0 victory over Aberdeen in 1957. This gives him a fairly unique claim to fame as surely the only ‘keeper to play competitively for Celtic and never concede a goal.
Stewart Kerr also had a Celtic baptism to remember. In October 1996, he came on for red-carded David Marshall as the Bhoys struggled against Motherwell. In the end, Kerr kept a clean sheet and the Bhoys scored in an injury-time winner to seal victory.
Scott Bain’s Beautiful Sunday debut
Scott Bain may have conceded on his Celtic debut, but he did help the Celts to a memorable victory at Ibrox. He was part of a renowned fixture in March 2018 when ten-man Celtic won 3-2 thanks to an Odsonne Edouard goal. So momentous was this game that Rangers then decided to reduce Celtic’s supporter allocation.
Debuts can often be misleading. Some players perform well before going on to ultimately disappear. Others can start poorly and eventually become huge successes, the case of Henrik Larsson being the prime example.
Still, whether the debut goes well or not, and even if it’s the only appearance a player ever makes in the Hoops, most fans would love to just be able to say they once played for their team.
Although if the match didn’t involve own goals or red cards, then that would be even better!
Matthew Marr
If you want to learn more about Celtic history, follow Hail Hail History on Twitter/X. You can also take part in a FREE Celtic history walking tour. Visit celticwalkingtours.wordpress.com for more information.
Click on cover to order a hardback copy
Matthew’s debut Celtic book titled ‘The Bould Bhoys – Glory to their name’ was published by Celtic Star Books last year and is available to order HERE. This brilliant book is also available on Amazon Kindle for just £3.49 and includes all photo sections that appear in the hardback edition.
Matthew Marr with his debut Celtic book, Glory to their name, which tells the story of Celtic’s first ever title win. Photo The Celtic Star
Celtic in the Thirties by Celtic Historian Matt Corr is published in two volumes by Celtic Star Books.
