Scott Allan follow follows across the divide

As Scott Allan puts his professional ambitions ahead of his childhood dreams he joins a long list of Celtic players that were brought up with connections to Rangers (IL).

Lisbon Lion Ronnie Simpson’s dad played for Rangers (IL) and lived to see his son lift the European Cup in 1967 after making the move from Hibs to Celtic.

At the same time boyhood Rangers (IL) fans Danny McGrain and Kenny Dalglish were signing for Celtic. The lure of working under Jock Stein and training daily with the best players in Europe in their home city was irresistable.

Just over a decade later Davie Provan and Murdo MacLeod were signing for Billy McNeill, going on to star in some of the club’s most dramatic triumphs including the 4-2 match in 1979, the Centenary Scottish Cup Final in 1985 and the Love Street title win 12 months later.

Without doubt the decision of a Lanarkshire miner from Burnbank stock in the early fifties to join Celtic was the most significant in the history of Scottish football with the effects still felt to this day.

As a player Stein was signed from Llanelli Town in 1951 to the disgust of many family and friends, within three years he had captained Celtic to the Coronation Cup followed by the double of league championship and Scottish Cup in 1954.

After captaining Celtic to that double triumph Stein wrote: “I cannot like other Celts claim that Celtic was my first love, but I know it will be my last and most enduring. When I have finished my career at Parkhead and the time comes to hang up my boots, I truly hope I will have done something to uphold the prestige, honour and tradition of the Celtic Football Club.”

As he signed his four year contract last night Scott Allan said: “I am absolutely delighted to sign for Celtic, such a fantastic club. It is such an honour to be given this opportunity and I can’t wait to get started and play my part in bringing success to Celtic and our supporters.”