LIVING THE DREAM

Danny Crainie was proud to wear the Hoops and he continues to back the team as a supporter

- TONY CONNELLY

PLAYING for Celtic was a boyhood dream for Danny Crainie, and now the former Hoops midfielder is helping young kids pursue their dream of a better life.

Crainie’s line of work these days is far removed from football but his life experience has helped prepare him for the challenge of improving young people’s lives.

Celtic next opponents in the league happen to be the last opponents that Crainie faced in a Celtic jersey. That was back on September 10, 1983, when he came on as a substitute in Celtic’s 5-2 win against St Johnstone.

Crainie was only 21-years-old at the time but he had played in the Celtic first-team for over a year-and-a-half, making 19 appearances and scoring eight goals. He had grown up supporting Celtic and graduated through the youth ranks to make his debut under Billy McNeill as a 19-year-old.

The Bhoy from Kilsyth may not have had a long career with Celtic but he is fondly remembered by fans and is grateful to have had the chance to pull on the green and white jersey.

“I didn’t know for sure that game against St Johnstone would be my last but I had a fair idea,” said Crainie in an exclusive interview with the Celtic View. “Shortly after that game, Davie Hay took a squad to Denmark for the European game against Aarhus and I wasn’t included in the squad of 18, so I knew then I was coming to an end.

“I remember Willie McStay playing that day against St Johnstone. We were buddies and it was one of his first games. I came on as a sub and I can remember it being a sunny day.