Summary
The 10 best British Celtic players have been revealed.
Legends like Kenny Dalglish and Jimmy Johnstone feature.
Scott Brown is the most recent player to have played for the Hoops to make the list.
Celtic stands as a true titan of British football, a club whose legacy stretches far beyond Scotland. As the first team from the British Isles to lift the European Cup, they forever etched their name in history, achieving this feat before even Sir Matt Busby’s Manchester United. The iconic 'Lisbon Lions' were just one of the many legendary sides to don the green and white, continuing the club’s dominance in Scottish football for decades.
In an era of global transfers, Celtic has remained rooted in the tradition of nurturing and developing homegrown British talent. While countless players have contributed to the club’s rich history, there are a select few who truly deserve special recognition for their dedication, skill, and contributions to Celtic's storied past. Here, we highlight 10 players who have become synonymous with the club’s success and spirit.
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10 Tommy Burns
1975-1989
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Emerging in the late 1970s, Tommy Burns quickly became a distinctive presence—not just for his striking red hair, but for his natural talent and cultured left foot. While early inconsistencies and moments of indiscipline occasionally held him back, everything changed in 1980, a turning point in both his personal and professional life. From that moment, his performances flourished, and he became a central figure in a highly competitive era of Scottish football.
At his best between 1980 and 1983, Burns consistently held his own against some of the country’s top midfielders, contributing significantly to league title wins in 1981 and 1982. Though injuries later reduced his pace, his intelligence and technique still made him influential, especially during Celtic’s dramatic title win in 1986 and the unforgettable centenary double in 1988. Burns shared a rare and deep bond with the Celtic faithful—one built on mutual love and respect. For many, he wasn’t just a player; he was a symbol of what it meant to wear the Celtic shirt.
9 Danny McGrain
1967-1987
A tenacious right-back with exceptional skill and determination, Danny McGrain spent the majority of his playing career at Celtic, making over 500 appearances. Known for his relentless work ethic, consistency, and defensive solidity, McGrain was a cornerstone of Celtic’s successful teams during the 1970s and 1980s.
He played an integral role in securing numerous league titles and domestic cups, including Celtic's 1974 Scottish Cup victory. McGrain’s leadership, commitment, and passion for the club earned him the deep respect of fans and teammates, making him a true Celtic legend.
8 Billy McNeill
1957-1975
Billy McNeill is one of the most revered figures in Celtic’s long and proud history, both as a player and as a manager. A commanding centre-half, he spent his entire playing career with the club, making over 800 appearances and captaining the side through its most successful era.
He led Celtic to nine consecutive league titles, countless domestic trophies, and, most famously, the 1967 European Cup triumph in Lisbon—the first for any British club. Known for his leadership, loyalty, and unwavering dedication, McNeill later returned to manage the club, further cementing his place as a true Celtic icon and eternal legend.
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7 Paul McStay
1981-1997
Paul McStay spent his entire professional life at Celtic, embodying the spirit and identity of the club. Revered by fans for both his footballing brilliance and unwavering commitment, he earned the moniker 'the Maestro' for his elegant control of the game. Over the course of his career, he lifted seven major trophies and was often the driving force behind the team during challenging periods. Renowned for his vision, pinpoint passing, and impeccable professionalism, McStay served as a standard-bearer for excellence and integrity. His enduring impact ensures his place among the most cherished figures in the club’s storied history.
In an era where player loyalty is increasingly rare, McStay’s steadfast devotion stood out. While his skill on the pitch captivated supporters, it was his unshakeable allegiance to Celtic that truly defined his legacy.
6 Scott Brown
2007-2021
Scott Brown epitomised leadership on the football field, playing every match with relentless intensity and fierce determination. As one of the most decorated players in Celtic’s history, he became the heartbeat of the team, driving play from midfield with tireless energy and a fearless approach as he maintained his hardman reputation. Known for his tough tackling and commanding presence, Brown was the kind of player who gave everything for the shirt—earning the deep respect of fans and lifting the performance of those around him through sheer will and example.
His legacy was cemented during a golden era for the club, most notably when he captained Celtic to an unprecedented 'quadruple treble' in 2020, securing 12 consecutive domestic trophies. Leading with passion and grit, Brown was instrumental in that historic run, and his role in the club’s sustained dominance has rightly earned him legendary status among the Celtic faithful.
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5 Roy Aitken
1975-1990
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Roy Aitken made his first appearance for Celtic as a teenager, stepping into the senior team at just 16 and embarking on a remarkable 15-year journey with the club. Initially known for his tenacity and aggression in midfield, he later transitioned into a commanding presence in defence, consistently influencing games with his strength, leadership, and footballing intelligence. Aitken’s standout moment came in 1988 when he captained Celtic to a league and cup double during the club’s centenary year—an iconic achievement in both his career and the club’s history.
Reliable and resolute, Aitken was the kind of player Celtic could turn to in high-pressure situations. His determination, work ethic, and ability to lift those around him made him indispensable during his time at the club. It's this combination of grit, consistency, and leadership that has secured his status as one of the most respected figures in Celtic’s storied past.
4 Kenny Dalglish
1969-1977
Kenny Dalglish - Celtic
Prior to becoming 'King Kenny' at Anfield, Kenny Dalglish began his illustrious football journey at Celtic, where he spent eight influential years that laid the foundation for a legendary career. Rising through the ranks to become club captain, Dalglish helped lead the team to four league championships, four Scottish Cups, and a League Cup triumph. Renowned for his sharp football mind and clinical finishing, he quickly established himself as one of the top talents in Scottish football, earning admiration for his performances both domestically and on the international stage.
Dalglish's departure to Liverpool in 1977 marked the end of a remarkable chapter at Celtic, leaving fans devastated by the loss of a player who had given so much to the club. His legacy at Celtic remains strong—not just for his goal-scoring prowess, but for the lasting impression he left on supporters and teammates alike. Easily one of the best British players ever.
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3 Jimmy Quinn
1900-1915
Jimmy Quinn was a quiet figure off the pitch, but his impact on it was anything but understated. A natural goalscorer with an eye for the net, he became a central figure during one of Celtic’s most dominant eras. Initially signed as an inside-left, Quinn found his true calling as a centre-forward, leading the line with power, precision, and an uncanny knack for finding the back of the net. He topped the club’s scoring charts during each of their six consecutive league title wins between 1904 and 1910—an achievement that remains unmatched in the history of football.
His brilliance did not go unnoticed, with Celtic manager Willie Maley famously calling him “the greatest centre-forward we have ever possessed.” In an era where attacking talent was rare, Quinn was a class above the rest, earning admiration from fans and teammates alike.
2 Jimmy McGrory
1922-1937
Jimmy McGrory stands as one of the most iconic figures in Celtic’s storied history, a striker whose remarkable scoring feats have become the stuff of legend. As the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, his record remains untouched and may never be surpassed. McGrory’s deep affection for Celtic was matched only by the adoration he received in return, with his passion, humility, and dedication earning him widespread respect across Scottish football.
His goal-scoring exploits were nothing short of extraordinary—most famously netting eight times in a single match against Dunfermline Athletic and racking up an astonishing 39 hat-tricks during his time in green and white. McGrory struck fear into defenders and joy into the hearts of supporters. His legacy is immortal at Celtic Park, a symbol of excellence and loyalty that continues to inspire generations.
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1 Jimmy Johnstone
1962-1975
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Jimmy Johnstone remains one of Celtic’s most beloved icons, a dazzling talent whose contributions were central to the club’s greatest triumph—winning the European Cup in 1967. Renowned for his mesmerising dribbling, lightning footwork, and flair, Johnstone's skill captivated fans and confounded opponents. His talents earned international acclaim, finishing third in the 1967 Ballon d’Or voting, a testament to his status as one of the finest players in the game at the time.
Often described as having a natural gift, Johnstone’s brilliance on the ball was matched by his fierce determination and competitive spirit. He was instrumental in the legendary Lisbon Lions team, and his legacy as a Celtic legend is etched into the very identity of the club. For supporters, he wasn’t just a great player—he was a symbol of everything Celtic aspired to be.
All statistics courtesy of Celtic's Official Website - accurate as of 17/05/2025.