Socceroos in Qatar – Hail, Hail, the Retro Celts, Danny McGrain’s first trophy as Celtic captain

Former Celt Jackson Irvine ‘rocked up; to the Socceroos camp in Qatar wearing a retro Mark Viduka Celtic kit, Opus Sport report. Viduka is of course one of his fellow Aussies who share the distinction of having played for Celtic, that list includes current Celtic star, Aaron Mooy, Scotty McDonald and best of all the Wizard of Oz, Celtic legend Tom Rogic.

Martin O’Neill was talking last week during his book promotion interviews about how he spoke to Viduka after he took over at Celtic, wanting the who was back home in Oz, to stay on at Celtic. Viduka though had issues with the club and wanted a move and O’Neill quickly realised that this was for the best and it allowed him to source the funds to sign Chris Sutton from Chelsea. Wonder how that turned out?

Irvine not only played for Celtic in the early part of his career but also had spells with Ross County and Hibs. Now playing his football at St Pauli in Germany, Irvine hasn’t forgotten his Celtic roots as his tribute to the former Celtic striker illustrates.

Mark Viduka Celebrates a goal for Celtic v Rangers 27 December 1999. Photo Mary Evans

And with Celtic heading to Australia this week to participate in the Sydney Super Cup then the additional Celtic related hype back home in Oz will certainly be helpful.

Yesterday we reported on Celtic’s trip to Australia in 1977 to participate in the World of Soccer Cup with the likes of Arsenal and Red Star Belgrade and how Jock Stein’s Celtic, without Kenny Dalglish who stayed at how to ‘organise’ his move to England, won the cup and brought it back.

It was Danny McGrain’s first cup as Celtic captain and Jock Stein’s last one as Celtic manager. It’s a fascinating read…

READ THIS…Celtic in Australia, 1977 – Winners of the World of Soccer Cup

About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor David Faulds 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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