Jim Craig – Three future Celts were in the Jags side

At the end of October 1977, Celtic were placed 7th in the league table, 8 points adrift of Rangers. However, good victories over Motherwell (A; 3-2) and Aberdeen (H; 3-2) plus a draw with the Ibrox club had pulled Celtic up to 5th place by the beginning of December.

On this day in 1977, 27,000 spectators turned up at Parkhead for a league fixture against Partick Thistle. The Celtic team on that day was Peter Latchford, Joe Filippi, Roddy MacDonald, Frank Munro, Andy Lynch, Roy Aitken, Jo Edvaldsson, Alfie Conn, Johnny Doyle, Tom MacAdam and Joe Craig.

Most unusually, three future Celts were in the Jags side; Alan Rough in goal, Brian Whittaker at left-back and Jim Melrose in the striker role.

Celtic opened the scoring through Tom MacAdam in 10 minutes; got another thanks to Roddy MacDonald in 41 minutes; and made it three from the penalty spot by Andy Lynch in 52 minutes. That was enough to give Celtic the points and help them keep the pressure on the leading sides.

Centre-half Frank Munro had been on trial from Wolves and his good form meant that his trial period was extended for a further month. Three weeks later, he was signed from the Midlands club for a fee of some £20,000.

Many Happy Returns to John Traynor, born on this day in 1966, who made 4 appearances for Celtic in season 1988-89.

Jim Craig

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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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