Country Bhoys Canada

CELTIC Football Club is a name known throughout the football world, while in just about any country you care to mention, youre guaranteed to find Celtic supporters proudly wearing the green and white Hoops.

And as well as having universal appeal, the Celtic first-team squad has a global look to it, with players from 13 countries playing their part in the historic success the club has enjoyed in recent seasons.

Over the course of this season we’ll be taking a closer look at these countries and their current Celtic links, as well as other nations who have played their part in our unique story.

AND IF YOU KNOW THE HISTORY

It was some 87 years ago, a Celtic squad set sail from the Clyde in May 1931 to begin a voyage to North America that would last almost two months. The USA was the first port of call and it wasn’t until June 13 that Celtic, having just won the Scottish Cup, would play their first game on Canadian soil. That came in Montreal when Willie Maley’s side defeated Montreal Carsteel 7-0. Peter Scarff grabbed five of the goals in that rout. After subsequent trips to New York and Chicago, Celtic returned to Canada and played a Toronto Ulster/Scottish Select. In a close encounter, Jimmy McGrory’s two goals helped Celtic to a 3-2 win. Celtic finished the tour with a record of nine wins from 13 fixtures. There was also a first glimpse of a future Celt in Joe Kennaway, the Canadian goalkeeper.

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