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Partick-born Tommy McInally was a unique talent who became a massive favourite with the Celtic fans of the early 1920s.

A wonderfully gifted entertainer and crowd pleaser McInally scored 39 goals in his debut season (1919-20) after signing for the Bhoys in May 1919 from junior outfit St Anthony's. On his debut he hit a hat-trick as the Hoops defeated Clydebank 3-1 at Parkhead on August 18th.

McInally's showmanship and light-hearted antics delighted the Parkhead crowds if not his Celtic boss Willie Maley who always had difficulties containing the centre-forward's exuberant nature.

Technically McInally had everything a forward could wish for - an eye for goal, superb ball control, vision, great speed and flair in abundance. But at times his attitude on the field could annoy and frutsrate his manager who thought his player should concentrate more on just scoring goals rather than trying to entertain the support.

The happy-go lucky McInally however did not care too much for the instructions of Maley and he seemed incapable of curtailing his showmanship as time after time he would showboat for his adoring fans. When his cheeky tricks paid off - as they often did - McInally would have the crowd roaring their approval. But when they didn't the only roar would be that heard from the raging Maley.

Teamates who loved Tommy off the pitch were alas also often exasperated by him on it and it was not uncommon for McInally to be involved in a row with other Celts on the field. Patsy Gallacher in particular was never shy of letting his feelings known if Tommy's tricks came to nothing.

Critics argued that McInally was more bothered about playing the clown than being a footballer and on occasions his poor fitness and conditioning meant that games passed him by without him making a contribution of note. So despite his many qualities Maley allowed McInally to be sold to Third Lanark in 1922 and he would spend three season at Cathkin Park before returning to Parkhead as an inside forward and a supposedly more mature player.

Indeed such was the supposed change in attitude that arch-disciplinarian Bill Struth of Rangers was thought th be very keen on taking McInally to Ibrox - where he had previously had trials.

However once back at Celtic Park McInally again played to the gallery and his cocky brilliance was mostly a joy to behold, although the manager was once more disapproving at his antics and inconsistancy.

After the bitterly dissapointing defeat to Rangers in the Scottish Cup final of 1928 McInally was told his time at Celtic was up for good and he was transferred to Sunderland for £2,500. Again the transfer of their favourite dissapointed the Celtic fans and this time there was no be no return.

McInally played 213 times for Celtic, scoring 127 goals in his two spells. He won two league titles and a Scottish Cup - but despite all his wizardry and entertainment critics will argue that with the right application he could have given and won so much more.