Here’s My Greatest Ever Celtic XI in my lifetime – now tell us yours

Greatest ever Celtic XI in my lifetime…

It’s a discussion that’s always brought up, whether it’s in the home, at work, on supporters buses, in the pub or even on social media. What’s the greatest ever Celtic side in your lifetime? It’s a difficult one to pick as there are so many great players, especially for those lucky enough to have witnessed the era of Jock Stein and the Lisbon lions.

My side took a while to put together. I was born in 1980 so I’ve witnessed many a good player to have donned the famous green and white hoops. My side playing in an old fashioned 4-4-2 formation complete with nine substitutes is as follows.

1. Artur Boruc –The holy goalie was a sensational shot stopper and also a huge presence at the back. He has had his blunders, but don’t all top keepers? He was one of the best in Europe between 06-08. Top drawer.

2. Danny McGrain (C) – Considered by many to be the best right back in the history of Celtic football club, and also the best Scotland has ever produced. I don’t recall seeing him play, but he played in the hoops until 1987 so I can add him!

3. Kieran Tierney – Only played about four full seasons but what a player. A true Celtic man and he could defend and attack in the same quality.

4. Bobo Balde – The big man was solid and would put the fear into any centre forward.

5. Virgil Van Djik – He wasn’t with the club long, but like Bobo he had the strength and was also elegant on the ball. They would be a brilliant partnership.

6. Paul Lambert – Lambo was a superb player that maybe didn’t get the credit he deserved, but he was a leader and a top class player. A player who would hold the midfield together.

7. Henrik Larsson – It’s got to be the King of Kings who else? One of the greatest ever Celts and definitely the best in my lifetime.

8. Paul McStay – The maestro, one of the best to pull on the hoops. During the mid eighties he was world class. Undoubtedly one of the greatest Celts of all time.

9. Chris Sutton – The big man had something of a telepathic understanding with Henrik. He was good in the air and on the deck. Even in midfield or defence he was terrific.

10. John Collins – JC was one of the best I seen in the hoops. His technique was top notch and he would score valuable goals. Unlucky to have played at a dire time for the club.

11. Shunsuke Nakamura – The Japanese playmaker was unbelievable. Like JC he had the technical ability and would pop up with a vital goal now and again. His Free kicks too!

Subs – Forster, McNamara, Agathe, Elliot, Petrov, Moravcik, Di Canio, Hartson, Cadete. My manager of course would be Martin O’Neill.

I think that would be a formidable side both domestically and in Europe. It’s not just a bunch of talented players but leaders. There’s height, strength, technique, pace and goals all over the side. Larsson and Sutton being supplied from Collins and Nakamura? KT and Danny? Unbelievable.

Set pieces with Big Bobo VVD, Sutton and Henrik in the box? A defenders nightmare. The Industry and guile of lambert and McStay in the middle? Outrageous. Imagine the arguments to take a free kick!

It might not be everyone’s best side, but it is mine. Now tell us your selection of the best Celtic XI in your lifetime?

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

Don’t miss out on The Celtic Star at the Kerrydale Suite at Celtic Park this Thursday night (7pm-midnight) , it’s going to be extra special with some special guests on the night now confirmed. Tickets are selling fast so it looks like a packed house with brilliant Celtic conversation and music from Boolavogue plus the launch of Majic, Stan and the King of Japan…Remaining tickets available from Celtic Star Books website, just click on the image below…