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Centre forward Joe Craig was a much sought after youth footballer with several top English sides keen to lure the Bridge of Allan born youngster down south.

Partick Thistle boss and ex Celt Bertie Auld persuaded Joe to remain in his homeland and nurture his talent at Firhill.
A quiet and unassuming character Craig impressed enough at the Jags to be signed by Jock Stein as a replacement for Dixie Deans in September 1976.

Craig made his Celtic debut on September 18th in a 2-2 home league draw with Hearts. An old fashioned type of forward Craig used his strength and height to hustle defences and he soon revelled in the service provided by Kenny Dalglish.

In his first season at Celtic Park he hit 34 league goals and helped the Celts complete a League and Scottish Cup double.

His form in the Hoops won him international recognition with Scotland but with the departure of Dalglish to Liverpool that autumn Craig’s form and goal scoring touch suffered and after the success of his debut season he now looked a spent force.

He was consequently sold to Blackburn Rovers in September 1978 after 72 appearances and 37 goals for Celtic.