[Player Pics]

Cowdenbeath-born Tommy Callaghan signed for Jock Stein’s Celtic in 1968 from Dunfermline.

The hard-working midfielder had impressed under Stein at East End Park but took time to settle in at the Parkhead home of his beloved Celtic.
He made his debut in a 4-0 league victory at Partick Thistle on November 23rd but it was to be a while yet before the Fifer was to show his true qualities and class.

Callaghan’s initial difficulties came from a self-doubt that he was not worthy of taking the field alongside living legends who had so recently been kings of European football. Being in the presence of men like Bertie Auld and Bobby Murdoch seemed to over-awe the recent arrival .

However by the start of the new decade Callaghan had started to feel more at home among his illustrious peers and consequently had begun to establish himself as a key component in a wonderful Celtic side. With the ability to play either in midfield or defence, Callaghan allied good control and vision with an awesome engine which at times saw him over-run the very best teams in Europe.

A model professional Callaghan never let anyone down during his eight years as Celtic player and while players of greater skill may take more plaudits the modest midfielder deserves to be remembered as a truly great Celt. His medal collection is certainly an impressive one and in 284 appearance (33 goals) he bagged six league winners medals and three Scottish Cups.