Comparing Celtic FC Greatest XI v Rangers FC Greatest XI Of All Time
CDM – Paul McStay
Paul McStay made his senior debut for Celtic at 17 in 1982, following in the footsteps of his family’s rich Celtic legacy. His talent was evident early on, and he soon became a key figure for the club. In 1990, he was appointed captain, a role he held until his retirement in 1997. During his time, Celtic won three league titles, four Scottish Cups, and one League Cup, despite a challenging period dominated by rivals Rangers.
McStay is regarded as one of Celtic’s most talented and respected players. In 2002, he was voted into Celtic’s greatest ever team by fans and is also a member of the Scotland Football Hall of Fame.
CM – Charlie Tully
Charlie Tully, a Celtic legend, is celebrated for his extraordinary skill and effortless ability to glide past opponents, making him a fan favorite for over a decade. Joining from Belfast Celtic in 1948 for £8,000, Tully’s arrival revitalized a struggling Celtic side. His charismatic personality and dazzling footwork endeared him to fans, and his cheeky playing style made him one of the most beloved figures in the club’s history.
Tully’s brilliance on the field was evident, particularly in a 1948 League Cup match where he dismantled Rangers’ defense. Playing 319 matches and scoring 47 goals for Celtic, he is remembered as one of the club’s early football celebrities, long before the likes of George Best or David Beckham.
CM – Bobby Murdoch
Bobby Murdoch, a key member of the Lisbon Lions, played a pivotal role in Celtic’s 1967 European Cup victory. Signed in 1959, Murdoch gained experience at Cambuslang Rangers before joining Celtic’s first team in 1962. Over his career, he won eight Scottish League titles, four Scottish Cups, five League Cups, and the European Cup. His deflected shot set up Stevie Chalmers for the winning goal in the 1967 final.
Murdoch formed a strong midfield partnership with Bertie Auld, outplaying even Inter Milan’s famed defense. Despite injuries, his impact was immense, prompting Jock Stein to famously state Celtic would win the European Cup again “when Bobby Murdoch is fit.” He made over 500 appearances and scored about 100 goals for the club.
RM – Jimmy Johnstone
Jimmy Johnstone, affectionately known as “Jinky,” is celebrated as one of the finest dribblers in football history. His extraordinary skill was instrumental in Celtic’s famous 1967 European Cup final victory, where he dismantled Inter Milan’s formidable defense. Voted Celtic’s greatest player in a 2002 fans’ poll, Johnstone’s bravery and creativity led to numerous memorable performances throughout his career.
Joining Celtic in 1961, Johnstone initially struggled for playing time until Jock Stein’s arrival transformed the club and revitalized his career. By the 1965/66 season, he had become a vital player, contributing to Celtic’s first league title in 12 years with nine goals in 32 appearances. As a member of the “Lisbon Lions,” he earned the nickname “The Flying Flea” from the French press during the European Cup run and finished third in the European Footballer of the Year award that season. Overall, he scored 129 goals in 515 appearances for Celtic.
LM – Bobby Lennox
Bobby Lennox, a prolific left-winger for Celtic, boasted an impressive record of over one goal in two appearances, a feat most strikers aspire to achieve. His exceptional pace allowed him to outmaneuver defenders, enabling him to take countless shots on goal. With the support of teammates like Jinky, Lennox scored an incredible 273 league goals in 571 matches, making him the club’s second-highest scorer—a remarkable achievement.
Lennox’s trophy cabinet includes five League Cup Medals, eight Super Cup Medals, and eleven League Medals. He was part of the Celtic team that won the European Cup in 1967, playing a vital role in creating opportunities, even though he didn’t score in that match. His highlight moment came weeks later when he scored the winner against Real Madrid in a friendly, further solidifying Celtic’s status as champions of Europe. He was admired by football greats like Bobby Charlton and Alfredo Di Stefano.