Thirty years ago today (12 December 1995), the career of one significant Celt was celebrated at Celtic Park…
In music, the term Maestro is one of the greatest honours that can bestowed on someone. It indicates that that the performer is something akin to a genius. When it comes to Celtic, the phrase ‘Maestro’ only ever refers to one player: Paul McStay. A captain and midfield star of the 1980s and 1990s, this is his story…
The phrase ‘Celtic family’ is often used to describe the different people connected to the club. In Paul McStay’s case, it is a literal truth, with numerous family connections tying him to Glasgow’s green-and-white men.
His great-uncles – Jimmy McStay and Willie McStay – were both Celtic stars across the 1920s and 1930s. Also, during the World War Two years, Jimmy became Celtic manager, replacing legendary boss Willie Maley.
Fast forwarding to the 1980s, the McStay family story was rekindled. As well as Paul playing for Celtic, he did so alongside his older brother, Willie. In addition, younger brother Raymond was also on Celtic’s books.
Born in Hamilton in 1964, Paul grew up in Larkhall, never considered to be the most welcoming of places for Celtic players or fans. However, this did not stop the young Celt from developing into a fine midfield player.
Although he would become well-known for Celtic, the first occasion when McStay came to public attention was in the dark blue of Scotland. He appeared for his country at various youth levels but is best remembered for a Wembley trip in 1980.
In a game played on live TV and with 70,000 in attendance, McStay captained the Scotland schoolboys’ team, despite being aged only 15. He put in a wonderful showing, scoring twice and helping his country claim an impressive 5-4 victory below the famous Twin Towers.
Both the Scottish and English press raved about his performance. One English newspaper described him as being “groomed for greatness” and predicted that he would have a very “bright future.”
By the time the London game took place, Paul had already signed for the Celts as an S-form player. The match gave notice that he would soon hope to show off his undoubted skills in the Celtic team.
Within 18 months of that game, McStay would follow in his great-uncles’ boot-steps and make his Celtic debut. He did so in January 1982, playing as the Celts easily disposed of Queen of the South in the Scottish Cup.
