[Player Pics]

Highlander Roddy McDonald signed for the Bhoys from Brora Rangers in August 1972 as an 18 year-old.

As a strong youth McDonald had played most frequently as a striker but while a trialist at Parkhead McDonald’s potential as a centre-half was recognised by Jock Stein. It was in that position McDonald made his Hoops debut in a 3-1 League Cup victory at Arbroath on August 29th 1973 and within a couple of seasons of that match McDonald had established himself as a defensive stalwart for the Bhoys.

Excellent in the air Roddy was always an attacking threat from set-pieces and at times he was fielded as an emergency striker for the Hoops. But his undoubted talent was in defence where he was often an unsung Celtic hero. His standout performance as a Celt came in the 1977 Scottish Cup final when he superbly marshalled the physical Rangers attack as the Bhoys took the honours at Hampden with a fine 1-0 victory.

After suffering a broken ankle in 1979 Roddy never recapture his top form and he had slipped form the first team picture by the time he left for Hearts in July 1981. A fine servant to Celtic Roddy made a total of 252 first team appearances and scored 32 goals.