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Coal miner Thomas McAteer was an accomplished defender who signed for Celtic in May 1910 from Clyde.

Having played with Hibernian, Bolton Wanderers, Brighton and Hove Albion and Dundee, among others, McAteer provided experienced cover for the Celtic rearguard.

He made his debut at right back in a 3-0 home league victory over Airdrie on August 17th 1910. Big, strong and hard working McAteer was a solid defender who was also a free kick specialist. He played mostly when the like of Jim Young and Willie Lyon were unavailable.

Ever dependable, he picked up a Scottish Cup winners medal in 1911, hitting Celtic’s second goal in a 2-0 victory over Hamilton. He left Celtic in June 1912 and after a short retirement went on to play for Abion Rovers among others. Injured in the Great War he finally had to leave football behind and returned to the pits.