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Fullname: David Marshall
Born: 5 March 1985
Birthplace: Glasgow
Signed: 2000
Position: Goalkeeper
Internationals: Scotland
International Caps: 2 Caps (whilst with Celtic)

Summary

Played possibly the greatest performance of his life against Barcelona to give the greatest goalkeeping display ever for Celtic in the UEFA Cup in 2004, 2004-03-25: Barcelona 0-0 Celtic, UEFA Cup

Left Celtic July 2007 [BBC]

Biog

Great goalkeepers are hard to find, and Celtic have suffered more than most over the years. With the possible exception of Paddy Bonner in his early years (and many still debate about his ability!) nobody (pre-Artur Boruc) can really honestly recall Celtic having a great goalie. I believe we had Shay Given on the books but Lou Macari turned him away (nice one!).

Anyhow, back on topic, this is what Marshall had to step into, and literally so. During the first game of the two legs in the UEFA cup v Barcelona in 2004, the then regular goalkeeper (Rab Douglas) ended up being wrongly sent off due to a stramash in the tunnel at half-time, and into his place David Marshall had to step in (what a debut game to begin with!!!!). The whole thing was a blessing, with young David even saving wonderfully a penalty from none other than the best player in the world (Ronaldinho), and he kept a clean sheet.

That was 45mins, and 90 more at least awaited at the Nou Camp with various commentators expecting Barca to storm through, BUT young David gave what can only be described as a phenomenal performance, including saving shots from the feet of the opposition players, he was just incredible. He was rightly given a right royal round of applause, and along with John Kennedy, they were the toast of Celtic FC. The review of the game and the quotes say it all (Link).

It was though a lot to live up to, and the early promise continued with some fine performances, but too many fickle Celtic supporters weren’t finding it easy to give him time, and with a shoddy defence in front of him, his lack of experience didn’t give him the time to mature and become the player he should be. Change of managers along with MoN’s last difficult season meant that Marshall didn’t have stability to help him out. Still he had many good games, but a few poor games for Scotland and then culminating in the Artemdia drubbing shattered his confidence. Most other players would have been able to have a short break and then be able to come back, but we had bought Artur Boruc who was too difficult to displace for Marshall, and a loan move to Norwich led to a full transfer.

I know this is not the last we’ll hear of David, he’s too good for lower divisions. All the best, and you are forever immortalised from those UEFA cup games v Barcelona.

We wish him all the best and haste ye back.

Playing Career

Club	From	To	Fee	League		Scottish/FA Cup		League cup		Other
Cardiff	01/07/2009		Free	No appearance data available
Norwich	04/07/2007	01/07/2009	£750,000	92 (0)	0	4 (0)	0	4 (0)	0	0 (0)	0
Norwich	17/01/2007	07/05/2007	Loan	2 (0)	0	3 (0)	0	0 (0)	0	0 (0)	0
Celtic	01/08/2000	04/07/2007	Youth	34 (1)	0	3 (1)	0	2 (0)	0	8 (1)	0
Totals			£750,000	128 (1)	0	10 (1)	0	6 (0)	0	8 (1)	0
			goals / game	0		0		0		0
				Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals

Honours with Celtic

Scottish Premier League Winner: 1

• 2003-04

Scottish Cup Winner: 2

• 2004, 2005

Most Memorable Game

• Barcelona 0 Celtic 0, UEFA Cup (2004)
  

Pictures

• David Marshall Pics