Jim Craig – Former Celtic star John Colrain and Ol’ Blue Eyes, Frank Sinatra

As Celtic tried to emulate the success of the Busby Babes at Manchester United with the Kelly Kids at Parkhead in the late 1950s, quite a number of young men got a chance in the first-team.

Centre-forward Jim Conway was one such player, 43 appearances and 13 goals in his Celtic career; inside-right Mike Jackson was another, with 30 goals in his 74 games; and the likes of Dan O’Hara, Ian Lochhead and Malcolm Slater also got some chances.

On this day in 1958, another young star, John Colrain, one of the few Celts to make his debut against Rangers, was at centre-forward as Celtic faced Stirling Albion in a league match at Parkhead. There was certainly plenty of experience in defence, Dick Beattie was in goal, Neilly Mochan at left back, Bobby Evans at centre-half and Bertie Peacock at left-half.

It was Colrain, though, who caught the eye, with a hat-trick, the goals coming in 13, 52 and 70 minutes. In fact, it was a day for the youngsters, Celtic’s other goals in the 7-3 win coming from 18-year-old John Divers, 19-year-old Mike Jackson and Matt McVittie, almost a veteran at 21.

Two years later, John Colrain or ‘Big Colly’ as he known, left Celtic, and after spells with Clyde and Ipswich, became player/ coach with Glentoran.

On a visit to New York while manager of the Northern Ireland side, John was introduced to Frank Sinatra in a restaurant. It was just a casual meeting, the type of contact that many top stars are obliged to make with their fans.

Big Colly, though, was a man of considerable charm and soon he and Ol’ Blue Eyes were seated beside other and talking away as though they had been friends for years.

John Colrain died at his home in Glasgow on 14 July 1984.

David Prophet McLean – born on this day in 1890 – joined Celtic in April 1907 after a short spell with Forfar Athletic.

Davie had been a prolific scorer with the Loons and that continued at Celtic Park where, over the following two seasons, Davie scored 19 goals in 28 matches before heading south to Preston North End.

Davie McLean died on 29 June 1973, at the age of 83.

Jim Craig

About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor, who has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

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