[Player Pics]

The great Johnny McMaster was signed by Celtic in 1913 from Clydebank Juniors.

He made an impressive debut in a tremendous 3-2 victory over Rangers in the Charity Cup final at Parkhead on May 10th 1913. Port Glasgow born Johnny was a no-nonsense centre-half. His no-frill performances may have made few headlines but while not the most spectacular of player Johnny was certainly among the most dependable.

His Celtic career was interrupted by World War One when as a member of the Royal Army Service Corp he was loaned to Fulham and Birmingham among others. Johnny however loved to play for Celtic and took every possible opportunity to return to Parkhead.

When based in Edinburgh during the winter of 1917/18 Johnny was granted four days leave over the New Year period and he was desperate to turn out for the Bhoys in the Ne’erday game against Rangers. However the army had marked on his leave pass that Johnny was not allowed to travel by train during his short time off.

Determined not to miss out at this chance to pull on the Hoops Johnny took matters into his own hands and walked from Edinburgh to Glasgow! He would be injured serving in France later that year but made a full recovery and was able to resume his football career.

Such determination underlines exactly the type of Celt Johnny was. He won the Scottish Cup with the Bhoys in 1914 and the league in 1915, 1916 and 1922. He made a total of 218 appearances – and scored six goals – before being released in 1923. Johnny McMaster was a great Celt.