Morten Weighorst – A great Celtic player and a true warrior…
Morten Weighorst was signed by Tommy Burns in late 1995 and although he didn’t carry the same clout as Tommy’s other signings that year like Andy Thom and Pierre Van Hoojidonk, he was a decent acquisition all the same.
Unlike our other more expensive foreign signings we knew more about the Danish midfielder due to him being a first team regular for Dundee the previous three years. Morten had also represented Denmark while at Dens so his credentials couldn’t be questioned.
A big tall elegant centre midfielder, Morten was tidy on the ball and he could also score so he was welcomed into a midfield that already included the qualities of Paul McStay and John Collins.
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Unfortunately for Morten his first 18 months at the club were plagued by injury and he struggled to make his mark in the team. That was to change however by the introduction of Wim Jansen in 1997, and now fully fit he thrived under the Dutchman and formed a formidable midfield partnership with new recruits Craig Burley and Paul Lambert.
Morten more than contributed to our memorable title win that season with his dynamic displays from the middle of the park, and he also chipped in with a few vital goals.
His next season was also disrupted by injury under Dr Jozef Venglos, but he fought back to fitness under John Barnes and played a huge chunk of that ‘disastrous’ campaign, before unfortunately falling victim to injury once more near the end of the season.
It was during that injury during the close season of 2000 that Morten contracted Guillain Barre Syndrome, a neurological life threatening illness that affects the immune system. The illness took its toll on Morten who had to learn to walk again and playing football was the least of his worries.
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But he showed true courage to fight back not just to full health, but in late 2001 he was back in on the football field as he made his first start in over 18 months, it really was a remarkable turnaround and achievement.
Morten would play a few more games under Martin O’Neill that season but made the decision to return to his homeland with Bronby in the summer of 2002. Morten will always be fondly remembered by the Celtic supporters for his dedication and determination during his time at the club.
Just an Ordinary Bhoy