One of the finest players I ever watched on a football pitch was Paul McStay. It was just such a shame that "The Maestro" was born at the wrong time.

McStay captained Scotland at every level in football and earned 76 caps for his country at senior level. He was a rarity in modern football being a "one club man" which, in part, may have led to the unfulfilment of a special talent.

He appeared 678 times for his beloved Celtic, scoring 72 goals from midfield. His early years at Parkhead were fairly successful, winning the Scottish League title three times in the 80s. McStay also won four Scottish Cups and one League Cup in his career with the "Bhoys". He also represented Scotland at two World Cup Finals.

'I would have liked to have seen him leave when he had the chance because a player with his ability should have been showcased on the biggest stage'


Surrounded by a solid and talented bunch of professionals during the 80s, and playing in a Scottish League that was at its most competitive in years, Celtic and McStay enjoyed enormous success.

Indeed it was not until the 90s, when Celtic were beginning to fall apart financially, and Rangers were striding ahead thanks to a David Murray/Graeme Souness-led revolution, that McStay was being courted by clubs in England and further afield.

He was handed the captaincy at Parkhead but this time the supporting cast of players around him were not up to scratch. Rangers had already embarked on their nine-in-row title run and Celtic were struggling to keep pace.