The best Celtic team before World War II was an outside-right squad.

The best Celtic team before World War II was an outside-right squad.

In today’s article, we’ll explore the options for the right-winger position in the Celtic team, particularly focusing on the Number Seven role, crucial for delivering precise crosses to the strikers.

We have an impressive list of candidates, presented in chronological order:

1. Alec Bennett
   • Debut: August 1903
   • Final game: April 1908
   • Total appearances: 165
   • A key player alongside Jimmy McMenemy during the successful period of four league titles from 1904/05 onwards.
2. Johnny Gilchrist
   • Debut: September 1910
   • Final game: April 1924
   • Total appearances: 461
   • Known for his powerful play and impressive shooting abilities.
3. Paddy Connolly
   • Debut: September 1919
   • Final game: April 1930
   • Total appearances: 320
   • Highly regarded by Jimmy McGrory, known for his pace as an outside-right.
4. Bertie Thomson
   • Debut: November 1929
   • Final game: August 1933
   • Total appearances: 136
   • A fan favorite, although his career was cut short, he left a lasting impact before being sold to Blackpool.
5. Jimmy Delaney
   • Debut: August 1934
   • Final game: January 1946
   • Total appearances: 327
   • A legendary figure, enjoyed a successful career at Celtic before moving to Manchester United and winning multiple cup titles.

The decision for the chosen Number Seven for the Willie Maley Celtic XI is a tough one given the caliber of these candidates.

This selection adds to the intriguing choices made so far in this exclusive series by The Celtic Star.

For those just joining, here’s a quick recap of the previously published shortlists for the Willie Maley Celtic XI:

• Goalkeeper: Dan McArthur, Davie Adams, Charlie Shaw, John Thomson, or Joe Kennaway
• Right-sided defender: Barney Battles, ‘Sunny Jim’ Young, Alec McNair, Willie McStay, or Bobby Hogg
• Central defender: James Kelly, Willie Loney, Peter Johnstone, Jimmy McStay, or Willie Lyon
• Left-sided defender: Dan Doyle, Willie Orr, Jimmy ‘Dun’ Hay, Joe Dodds, Willie ‘Peter’ McGonagle, or Jock Morrison
• Defensive midfielder: John ‘Jean’ McFarlane, Peter Wilson, Chic Geatons, Malcolm MacDonald, or George Paterson
• Attacking midfielders (x2): Peter Somers, Jimmy McMenemy, Patsy Gallacher, Tommy McInally, Alec Thomson, Peter Scarff, or Willie Buchan

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