[Player Pics]

Highly rated imposing centre-half Paul McGugan signed for Celtic from Eastercraigs Amateurs in April 1980.

The big defender worked his way through the Parkhead ranks and after some very impressive reserve appearances he made his debut for the Bhoys in a 3-2 league over Hibernian on April 28th 1984.

He was at centre half for the first league game of the 1984/85 season at Easter Road but injuries meant that it was nine months until his next appearance in May against Rangers in a 1-1 draw in a meaningless league game at Parkhead.

At the beginning of 1985 Celtic were having problems in the centre half position. Pierce O'Leary had injury trouble and Tom McAdam was in the last stages of a fine Celtic career. Paul was recalled for a fine 5-0 win at Easter Road against Hibs on September 7th. One week later he played his part in a fine 2-1 victory over Aberdeen at Parkhead and played on bravely after having blood pouring from a head wound. Four days later he earned rave review for his part in Celtic's 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid in the Vincente Calderon stadium. On October 5th he scored his first Celtic goal against St. Mirren in a 2-0 win at Celtic Park. He had mixed fortunes on January 1rst 1986 when he scored the opening goal from an Owen Archdeacon cross but broke a bone in his foot in the process, although he bravely played on. He lost his place to O'Leary because of this injury but was recalled before the end of the season and was in the side which stole the league title from Hearts when Celtic thrashed St. Mirren 5-0 at Love Street on May 3rd to cue joyous celebrations amongst the Celts in the 17,000 crowd.

Although a steady performer McGugan was sold to Barnsley for £55,000 by new manager Billy McNeill in October 1987 after 59 appearances with the Bhoys.