Paul McStay and Peter Grant's incredible dedication to Celtic

Peter Grant and Paul McStay. Miles apart in terms of talent, but equals in their dedication to Celtic…

1988: Paul McStay and Tommy Burns of Celtic during the Scottish Cup Final match at Hampden – Celtic won the match 2-1 Photo Allsport UK /Allsport

Peter Grant and Paul McStay were Celtic teammates for the majority of their career. Between them they made well over a thousand appearances in the famous green and white hoops, winning 14 honours.

It’s not disrespectful to say that Peter was the less talented one of the two, as it’s no secret that Paul was the much better player. Indeed Paul McStay was one of the best players in Europe on his day. He was a fabulous talent and quite rightly took his place in the greatest ever Celtic XI. Thats how good he was.

The centenary season of 1987-88 was undoubtedly his best campaign. He would have graced any side in the world with the form he produced that season. He wasn’t a one season wonder though, far from it. As during his fifteen years at Celtic, Paul was seen as our most valuable player. He was a class act.

20/05/89 SCOTTISH CUP FINAL CELTIC V RANGERS (1-0) HAMPDEN PARK – GLASGOW
Rangers’ Ian Ferguson (left) has a disagreement with Peter Grant

Peter was more of an industrious player, he was a ball winner, he happily did the dirty work, and wore his heart on his sleeve, always giving one hundred and ten percent for the Celtic cause.

He was unfairly criticised by some section of supporters during his time at the club, but you don’t make all those appearances for Celtic if you haven’t got something about you. His tears of joy after helping Tommy Burns win the 1995 Scottish cup is an iconic image of Peter. He indeed played through the pain barrier in that very game.

20.05.1989: Photo imago/Colorsport
Celtic – Pat Bonner, Peter Grant, Mark McGhee und Tommy Burns

Both players received well deserved testimonials for their service to the club, and will always be remembered as terrific servants to Celtic football club. They were miles apart talent wise, but were both equal in their dedication to the club.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy