On This Day in 2006, Celtic took on Gus MacPherson’s St Mirren at Love Street in league duty, running out 3-1 winners in the end. The story on this day would not just be Celtic earning a routine victory in Paisley, but rather a performance from a player that defied belied at times. The player in question of course, is Thomas Gravesen.

Photo: The Celtic Wiki

To say Thomas Gravesen was a character would be to do him an injustice. In Gravesen was a maverick that was considered so talented he played beside Zinedine Zidane for the mighty Real Madrid during their famous Galacticos period. Gravesen also played for Everton in the Premier League before Madrid opted to sign him after an outstanding playing career on Merseyside.

Celtic took a chance on the eccentric Dane during Gordon Strachan’s tenure as Celtic manager and the player certainly left an impression. Unfortunately, Tommy would never fit into a rigid system and had to be free to roam on the pitch, which never sat well with Gordon. The phenomenal midfielder would rarely be seen at Celtic after his initial involvement under the wee redheaded man, mores the pity.

Photo: The Celtic Wiki

However, on occasion the Celtic Support got to see classic Tommy Gravesen in full flow. One such occasion was at Love Street against St Mirren on the 12th November, 2006. Tommy scored a perfect hat-trick that day; scoring with his left foot, right foot and a headed goal. A fitting tribute to his talent and technique which he had in abundance.

The first was a left-footed shot past the keeper as he caught the ball on the half-volley following a knockdown from big Jan inside the box. For the second, it was just a masterclass in close control as the Denmark international weaved in and out of several St Mirren players to fire into the goal, with a stinging shot past the keeper. Finally, his third and final goal of the day was a powerful, glancing header at the front post as he met a whipped cross to cap off a perfect hat-trick for Tommy and a perfect afternoon for Celtic, on this day 15 years ago.

Oh Tommy, Tommy!

Watch Tommy’s perfect hat-trick for yourself…

Paul Gillespie

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