Outside-left James Carlin signed for Celtic in October 1896 from Paisley Celtic.

He was almost exclusively a reserve at Parkhead but made a solitary first team appearance when called up to the side at the last minute to take the place of the ineligible John Neilson in a vital league tie at home to Dundee on February 20th 1897.

Carlin was out of his depth as Dundee won the crucial encounter 1-0. Carling left Celtic that May for Victoria United.