[Player Pics]

Brazilian international Juninho made a near instant impact after arriving at Celtic Park on August 26th 2004.

The World Cup winner signed on a free transfer for the Bhoys from Middlesbrough where the gifted playmaker had become a legend during two spells on Teesside.

While in England the diminutive star had earned a reputation as being an abundantly skilful but gutsy performer and he had to call on all those qualities immediately as he was thrust straight into the heat of a Glasgow derby clash. Much to the delight of the Hoops faithful the little Brazilian turned in a man of the match winning performance as Celtic defeated Rangers 1-0.

The 32-year-old displayed some wonderful touches and his direct running had the Gers defence in disarray time after time. When he was substituted towards the end of the game he was given a standing ovation from the home support. After such a wonderful debut hopes were high that Juninho would be the man to inspire Celtic to the latter stages of the Champions League as well as domestic dominance.

But things were never to be so good again for the Brazilian during his stay at Parkhead. The midfielder struggled to adapt to Celtic’s style and he was soon relegated to the bench by the manager.

He eventually netted his first goal for the Hoops on October 16 in a 3-0 home victory over Hearts but as his starting appearances became less frequent many fans began to question why manager Martin O’Neill had purchased the player in the first place.

When he was given the chance to start Juninho struggled to find any form but in fairness the sustained run in the side he needed was never given. By January it was clear that the Brazilian would not settle for life on the bench and he eventually was released from his contract in April after just 14 starts and only seven months after arriving at Parkhead.