Trialists

At a time when Celtic were going through real problems with the goalkeepers at the club Hugh Whyte was invited from Hurlford United to play effectively a trial with a Celtic XI in a Challenge match against Hamilton Academicals, managed at the time by Ronnie Simpson, in August 1972. He eventually joined Hibernian before moving to Dunfermline, where he eventually became the club doctor. Died 9 November 2009.

In September 1972 Celtic played Rosenborg in the first round of the European Cup. In the first leg at Celtic Park on 13 September 1972 was a young goalkeeper, Geir Karlsen, who performed extremely well but was unfortunate to break his ankle. He came to Celtic in October that year, once the break was healed as a trialist and eventually went to Dunfermline.

At the start of the 1972-73 season Celtic gave a trial to a young 16 year-old goalkeeper who was causing quite a stir in the Junior ranks with St. Roch’s. They didn’t proceed, but Lowrie went on to have a career with senior clubs, including Rangers as a part-time professional (1975-79) and then joined Alloa in 1984 (still considered one of their best ever keepers) via another stint in the Juniors. Joined Partick Thistle in 1991, before going on to manage in the Juniors with Pollok Juniors and Maryhill United.

Jim ‘Chang’ Smith, a left-sided midfield / attacker, had played in at least two of the pre-season games in Ireland against Celtic. He was invited to trail at the start of the season and came ‘for at least two months’. He played in some Reserve games in September but was not seen in October.

Jim McMahon was a 16 year-old centre half with Annbank Utd. At 6ft, he had been attracting attention from Celtic, Partick Thistle and Kilmarnock. He came for a trial and played in the Reserves in November.

Hilary Carlyle was the fruit of one of Sean Fallon’s scouting trips to Ireland. A striker with Finn Harps he was invited over for a trial in later November / December and played in the Centennary game against Birmingham City where he was described as ‘anonymous’.

Celtic had tried to buy Jimmy Smith, a ball playing winger, twice before – once when he was at Aberdeen and then once he had made the move to Newcastle United. In February, Celtic were in need of rejuvenation.He came on-loan and as a trialist for a month. There were doubts as to his fitness as he had not played a game in the ’75-’76 season and had had three cartilage operations. He arrived at Celtic Park on the day of the European game against FC Sachsenring Zwickau, in March 1976,having had some second thoughts about joining Celtic. He played in one Reserve game against Dundee Reserves with new signing Johnny Doyle and was listed in the squad for the game away at Dundee for the first team. But he picked up another knee injury in the Reserve game and promptly returned to Newcastle.

Knepper was a West German striker who had been recommended to the club some time in 1977. He was out of the Borussia Dortmund youth set up but was released by the German club and found a place playing in Switzerland with the Second Division side Chiasso. When Celtic went to Austria to play their secong leg Second Round tie against SVV Innsbruck on 2nd November 1977, Knepper returned with the Celtic party. He played in a hastily arranged friendly against Hamilton Accieslater that month.

Trialist from the North East in the same game as Gerry Collins (above) on 31 October 1978. Not taken on he had a long career south of the border and back again in the Highland League with brief spell at Dundee.

Brought on the pre-season tour to Ireland in July 1992 after impressing Brady in the Ireland v. Albania WC qualifier on 26 May 1992. Had been banned by FIFA after defecting from his communist homeland, then broke his leg at one of the French clubs he trained with. Signed for Celtic on 14 August 1992.

Welsh left-winger tracked by Macari for some time and available at around £500,000. He came and trained for a week in May 1994, but Swansea refused permission for him to play in the Mark Hughes testimonial, in the face of interest from other clubs. He eventually joined Birmingham for £275,000 in 1995, then on to Reading, Cardiff, Newport County and Llanelli.

FAI youth midfielder and minor county GAA player from Monaghan given a series of extended trials through season 97-98. Previously w Clones Town, Monaghan United and Largy Coll. Part of squad for French youth tourny April 98. Offered terms but got a better offer from Blackburn Rovers. Was on the substitute bench for Blackburn when Celtic beat them in the UEFA Cup. Missed season 2001-02 after knee surgery. Loaned to Chesterfield, Blackpool, Gillingham. Under-21 Ireland caps and full debut 28.4.04. Regular with Leeds United 2005-09. 2009-10 alongside Simon Ferry in Swindon midfield. Eight caps for Ireland.

18-year-old Finnish goalkeeper (dob 5/8/81) who was plying his trade with Strasbourg U19’s came on trial for a week in April 1999 – enough to get the newspapers interest. Not taken on; subsequently returned to France till 2005 without making a first team game and then returned to Finland with FF Jaro (2005) and KaaPo (2006)

Argentine trialists who arrived in 1999. Neither were offered contracts.

Not strictly a trialist, McAteer guested for Celtic in Ronnie Moran’s testimonial at Anfield, in May 2000. He was a Blackburn Rovers player at the time and had previously played for Liverpool. Although Liverpool-born, he was a full Republic of Ireland internationalist.

Also not strictly a trialist, but guested too for Celtic in Ronnie Moran’s testimonial at Anfield, in May 2000 – along with Blackburn Rovers team-mate Jason McAteer. Helped Celtic out on the night due to injuries and lack of available first-team players. Would eventually tarnish his helping out of the club by later joining the manky mob across the city.

Algeria international Djamel Belmadi arrived at Celtic Park in July 2005 to begin a trial, that could have seen him cut short a spell in the Middle East with Al Ittihad. The 29-year-old had previously played for a number of European clubs over the past nine years, including Paris St Germain, Celta Vigo, Marseilles, and Manchester City. He eventually ended up at Southampton, followed by a spell at Valenciennes.

Celtic took former Portsmouth and West Ham defender Sebastien Schemmel on a week’s trial in July 2005. Schemmel travelled with the rest of the squad to their training camp at Bisham Abbey that summer. Was not taken on, and retired.

Hearts signed former Sochaux defender Ibrahim Tall. The 25-year-old Senegal international had a trial with Celtic in July 2005. He followed that with a trial with Hearts and was signed – allegedly against the wishes of George Burley and this started the controversy which led to Burley’s resignation as manager. Saw out 3-years at the Gorgie madhouse then went to Nantes.

French international defender Philippe Christanval is in Glasgow for talks with Celtic about a possible move to the Glasgow club (August 2005). The 26-year-old, who had six caps for his country, trained at Celtic Park on the Wednesday morning. He had just come from an unsuccessful trial with Arsenal. It’s wasn’t sure if he was offered a contract by Celtic, but he left to join Fulham and was released by them in July 2008. He then retired.

25-year-old attacking midfielder was keen to move from Lecce and recommended by chief scout. Lecce agreed to the trial in January 2006. If Eremenko impressed during his trial at Celtic he could have won a loan deal until the end of the season. Contracted with Lecce until 2009 but had fallen well down the starting order. Lecce had second thoughts; by 20 January possible loan deal said to be still on but finally called off at end of month. Moved to Saturn in Russia and then pitched up at Kilmarnock in August 2010.

Young trialist from Moss in Norway; spotted at a youth camp in Norway in June. Invited for a trial in July 2006. Quit the game in August 2010 to join the Norwegian Air Force.

Bulgaria left-back Ivaylo Petkov is returning to his homeland after failing to win a contract with Celtic. The 30-year-old with 64 caps failed to impress manager Gordon Strachan after a two-day trial in Glasgow in August 2006. Came for 2 days after being promised as the real deal; claimed he was wanted by Galatasaray, Willem II and Hertha Berlin also; despite the OVERRIDING need for a left back he was considered “short of match fitness” and left and went to Denizlispor back in Turkey where he was signed for 350k euros on a 1 year deal.

Cameroon international arrived for trial in January 2007; limited opportunities at Rennes so far in the 2006-07 campaign. He missed the opening stages of the season after suffering an arm injury in a pre-season friendly. Perrier-Doumbé was strongly linked with Middlesbrough, but move seems unlikely. Arrived as a trialist. Signed in January on a deal to the end of the season with a 2 year option.

Arrived on trial from from CSKA Sofia youth in January 2007; Reported as training with the team for 2 months in March and included in an under-17 game. Signed on 30 June 2007 when just turned 16. Released in the great youth cull of ’09.

20-year-old American doing the trials circuit, arrived on trail in January 2007; last with Colorado Rapids; DMF; previously with San Diego Soccer Club, Rancho Bernardo Select, La Jolla Nomads, San Diego Surf. Originally from California and doing the rounds on trial; was an under-18 and under-20 US National Team; had already been on trial with Siena, Werder Bremen and Red Bull Salzburg. Currently playing with Colorado Rapids.

16-year-old Icelandic; invited to train with the club in January 2007; was due to have trials with Arsenal, PSV Eindhoven, Blackburn Rovers and Reading; already had trials with and rejected by AZ Alkmaar and Aalesund; “The pace, positioning, first touch, skills, passing and his finishing abilities are top class. Also his physique is good if you consider his age. All in all, a great talent.”; has visited Arsenal ever since he was 11. Clearly earmarked for Arsenal.

Eventually signed for AZ. Elder brother Andri had also been a teen prodigy at Bayern Munich. Played against Celtic in the Champions League for Ajax.

Romanian under-17 midfielder brought over from the ‘Somesul’ club at the behest of the Stellar group agency, in March 2007. With Romania’s accession to the EU in January 2007, their young footballers suddenly became attractive to clubs looking to snaffle the next Christian Chivu or Razvan Rat at an embryonic stage of their development. Indeed the agency in question had already flogged Dumitru Copil (“the new Hagi”) to Hearts, allegedly from under the noses of Celtic.

Sadly young Pop proved to be more like the next Daniel Prodan: inasmuch as he was seldom seen. Played in an U16 Academy friendly with Norwich City on 23.3.07 and agreed a contract to stay but failed to appear in 07/08.
Trialled with Serie B Lecce ahead of the Jan 08 transfer window but now looks to be aiming for success the old fashioned way with spells at lower league Corcordia Chiajna and FC Ploiesti.

Not to be confused with Marian Lucian Pop, a contemporaneous player from CFR Cluj.

Two 16-year-old trialists from Ross County in April 2007; Ridgers is the younger brother of Inverness CT backup GK Ally Ridgers and is also a GK; Girvan is a right back who was also wanted by Bolton Wanderers where he’d already been twice. It looks like Mark Ridgers may have signed for Hearts. Girvan is now on a pro deal with Ross County and on the fringes of the first team.

Swiss 23-year-old brother of Phillip Degen and a decent player from Borussia Monchengladbach, arrived for trial in May 2007; RMF / AMF; previously with FC Basel, FC Aarau. Late stage trial after the player fell out with his club and was released. His previous manager said “He was lacking concentration, unprofessional and a nuisance factor.” Impressed on trial but returned home, probably wanting more than the club were prepared to offer. He went back to Germany but given the fall-out he was loaned to FC Basel and now plays for Young Boys Berne.

19-year-old striker from Dungannon Swifts arrived as a trialist in July 2007. Had been named Young Player of the Year in Northern Ireland 2006/07. Was also being tracked by Leeds United, Cardiff City, Derby County, Coventry City and Norwich City. In the end rejected the deal as he thought he was walking into the first team. Ended up playing for the odious Linfield FC, before moving onto Portadown.

Another couple of Romanian under-17 players, this time from Atletico Arad, being hawked about Western clubs in the hope of making it big, in January 2007. Left-back Filaret was taken on and spent 6 months playing under-17 Academy stuff before clearing off to Nottingham Forest on trial. The widely reported £125,000 fee and five year contract looked very unlikely. Went back to Arad with the ACU club.

Tucudean was a striker and by all accounts had been fairly banging them in for second division UTA Arad since heading home. Taken on trial by Austrian giants Red Bull Salzburg in July 2009.

Brazilian right-back who had been with Corinthians and Atletico Mineiro came on trial; also came with a fierce reputation for mixing it up and a 120-day ban in South America; on trial from the New Year and assessed by the coaching staff; looked as though the deal was off by 10 January 2008. Finished season 2008/09 at Serie A Bologna.

Polish player who had played for quite a few Russian teams; predominantly a left-back needed as a replacement for Naylor but could play centre half as well; arrived for a weeks’ assessment in January 2008; capped three times for his country and a non-playing member of Poland’s World Cup squad in 2006, fee said to be 750,000; also linked to Rangers and Birmingham. Trained all week and was seen as off the pace. Went back to Russia, joining Metallist Kharkov.

American goalkeeper trialist came with a lot of good recommendations in January 2008; from University of South Carolina seen as a USA backup goalkeeper to Brad Friedel and was currently playing MLS soccer. Came on a weeks’ trial. Offered a contract after a week and went away to think about it as he also had other offers. Went to see Martin O’Neill at Aston Villa – who signed him.

Came first as a trialist in April 2008 from the University of Tulsa; a 6ft 6″ University of Tulsa ‘soccer’ player that didn’t go into the MLS draft and so was a free agent. Came for a trial for a week originally from Norman, Oklahoma. Back a second time in September 2008; had Italian grandparents so no issue with work permit; played in the Toulon Youth Tournament and went to Olympics with the USA squad; signed for Celtic on 26 September 2008.

Yet another American goalie. Abdul – or Bill – Hamid was a 6′ 4” 17-year-old from Virginia, who arrived in June 2008. By all accounts did enough to earn an under-19 place for 2008/09 until work permit issues scuppered the deal.

Returned to DC United where he was already on their radar. Turned professional with them, and made his break-through to the MLS.

17-year-old centre-back handed a month’s trial in July 2008 after a shock release from Aberdeen. Given a one-year deal after showing up well. No relation to ex-Celtic manager, Gordon Strachan.

17-year old Italian keeper who had been with US Lecce; came as a trialist in July 2008 and was given a game for the Celtic XI against Albion Rovers at the start of the season; looked slight; but eventually signed for the Youths.

Another Romanian youngster taken to the Villarreal Youth Tournament in August 2008 alongside Richard Filaret. Also trialled with Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.

It is possible he was also the “Yureuv” quoted as joining Marian Pop on trial in March 2007 and playing U16 Academy games.

Swiss 23-year-old midfielder came as a trialist in September 2008; he was still contracted to FC Aarau but a decent previous pedigree with FC Vaduz (on-loan), Young Boys Berne, Bayern Munich Youth, FC Zurich, FC Basel under-21’s; strongly linked with the club and was invited over to view Lennoxtown and take in the Aalborg game. He had a contract with the Swiss side to June ’10. Was also over as a guest for the first game of 2009 – the home draw to Dundee United, leading to much speculation as to his future involvement with Celtic. Eventually, no contract offered.

Tracked and linked in December 2008; but request for a trial period turned down by Derry City; was also wanted by Swansea and Derby; said he didn’t want to come to play as a reserve; on 16 December 2008 he signed a 3-and-a-half year contract to start on 1 January 2009; an indication of the level of player being looked at; no official fee reported, but talk of a£275,000 fee talked about.

A little bit of left-back action arrived after several seasons. A 5-times-capped Norwegian who had been looked at in the past but had been a regular player for Brann and out of contract at the end of December; returned to Norway after a week’s training in December 2008. Was eventually picked up by Belgian club Gent.

One of two Czech youth players taken on trial for 10 days in December 2008; Anton(in) was a 16-year-old striker with the Czech side formerly known as Dukla Prague, and had played 11 games that season, mostly as a late stage sub; was contracted to Pribram till 2011. Was also being watched by AC Milan, Slavia and Plzen; interest cooled by the end of the trial and he returned to the Czech side……… unlike his mate.

Switched to Banik Ostrava in summer 2010, having been capped by the Czechs up to under-20 level by that stage.

18-year-old Czech left-back, as above, but had played for the Czech under-19 team and was generally a first choice player with Pribram; by mid December 2008 his agent said he would be joining Celtic, and it subsequently proved to be true as he signed a permanent deal for the club not long after.

20-year-old defensive midfielder originally Ghanaian, arrived for trial in December 2008; mention of a £400,000 deal but nothing materialised; was seen when on loan to the Finnish club Honka FC; he had been part of the Ghana 2007 Olympic football squad.

All action midfielder playing for the Chivas USA club and a regular international. Spent a week training at Lennoxtown in the American off-season in January 2009 but would no doubt have cost decent money. We got bargain buy Willo Flood instead. Moved to Anderlecht after a surprising omission from the US World Cup 2010 squad.

19-year-old Latvian defender; taken on and signed a 3-year deal in early February 2009.

18-year-old winger, trialed on 24 December 2008 and signed a 3-year deal in February 2009.

Tall striker born on 29 June 1990 was given the “tour of the facilities” in January 2009. Was born in Niksic, Montenegro, but a Serbian under-19 player then with Partizan Belgrade. Returned to Partizan’s feeder club FK Teleoptik and then later joined Austrian LASK Linz in summer 2009.

Burly 17-year-old Swiss centre back from St. Gallen. Took in the Dundee United match on 3 January 2009 and set tongues wagging when folk thought he was Reto Ziegler. Again widely reported as being signed but never materialised. Stayed on at St. Gallen, before moving to Grasshoppers then Basel.

Serbian defensive midfield prospect from Red Star Belgrade, nicknamed ‘the tank’. Spent a week training at Lennoxtown in May 2009 but returned home and made his debut for Red Star on 30 May 2009. Farmed out on loan to FK Sopot for the 2009/10 season.

Icelandic international Sölvi Geir Ottesen was invited to train with Celtic during pre-season 2009 with a view to a deal subject to a permission from his Danish club, Sönderjysk. The 24-year-old central defender, who can also operate as a right back and defensive midfielder, was also high on Birmingham’s wish list but the English club failed with a bid for the player in January. Ottesen continued with Sönderjysk, then signed for FC Kopenhavn in 2010.

Alassane arrived in Glasgow in July 2009 to begin a week’s trial. The 26-year-old turned professional three years ago after joining Le Havre from amateur side Am Nieges in what is effectively the seventh tier in France but his rise was such that – after 10 goals for the relegated side last term – Lille, Rennes, Monaco, Hull and Hertha Berlin all want to sign him. “I am in Scotland to begin a trial with Celtic,” Alassane confirmed. “I don’t know what will happen but I do know it’s a fantastic opportunity for me to show a great club what I can do and I want to leave here with no regrets.” Interest dropped, and he sadly retired at just 26, the following month, after a heart defect showed up on his return to Le Havre.

30-year-old former Le Havre and Hibs midfielder offered training facilities at Lennoxtown over the 2009 pre-season period after his one-year deal at Coventry City was not renewed. Tony Mowbray insisted it was just a favour to keep his former charge ticking over, but the recent loss of Donati, Ferry etc. may have put a different complexion on things. Made a shock appearance in the hoops versus Cork City on 9 September 2009 but wasn’t offered a deal. Ended up signing later for Hamilton Accies later that month.

Former Northern Ireland youth international from Magherafelt who had previously attracted attention from the likes of Newcastle, West Brom Albion and Leicester City over the years; came on trial for a week in August 2009; not picked up; subsequently went back to Cowdenbeath where he got 1 game in season 2009/10 before going on loan to Juniors Kirkcaldy YM and Ballingry Rovers. Was released at the end of the season but picked up by St Mirren when Danny Lennon, the ex-Cowdenbeath manager went to St Mirren.

25-year-old Algerian striker previously with AEK Athens but fell out with the manager there when he took an unauthorised holiday. Invited to train with Celtic in September 2009 and a chance for an assessment. He would have been cup tied in Europe as he’d already played for AEK in Europe that year.

Trialled with Blackburn Rovers the next month and linked with Bochum and Le Havre in January 2010, but was left in limbo and axed from Algeria’s African Cup of Nations squad. Eventually patched things up with AEK, then helped Algeria inflict a humiliating World Cup draw on England.

Both players were thought to be part of a group who came over from Hungary to train for a week at Lennoxtown, during November and early December 2009 – the fruit of letting Willie McStay leave to manage the Hungarian club Ujpest. 20 year-old Korcsmar, a central defender, was being tracked by a number of European clubs including Feyenoord and Freiburg. He generally played as either a centre half or just in front of the defenders had had a good start to 2009/10 season under McStay. He played for Hungary in the under-20 World Cup and did well.

Daniel Kovacs was a 19-year-old left winger who had just broken into the main team and showed promise. Korcsmar was the only real first team prospect with the others seen as potential for the ranks. Kovacs ended up signing a new contract with Ujpest till 2013, while Korcsmar went to Norway and Brann Bergen in August 2010.

Two further young Ujpest players who arrived in November and into December 2009, part of the feeder club arrangement installed when Willie McStay departed to Hungary. In the end, none of the 4 players were signed.Magos was a 17-year-old midfielder who had played with the under-17 international side for Hungary, and Krisztian was an 18 year-old winger who had already had some time out on loan with Wolves under-19’s and made a 1 minute token appearance for the senior team who rated him highly.

16-year-old Bosnian midfielder playing with Durch club De Graafschaap invited over for a week long trial in October 2009 then brought back again in December. The club bid £150,000 allegedly for him but the Dutch club wanted £270,000 which they felt entitled to under FIFA rules of youth development. De Graafschaap director Leen Loyen said that if the interested clubs didn’t pay the fee then he would stay in Holland. He went for a further trial with Blackburn Rovers. Opted to stay in Holland with FC Utrecht.

16-year-old Swedish forward of Bosnian extraction. Attached to Malmo FF and part of the same agency as other trialist, Marko Maletic. Arrived on trial at Lennoxtown during Maletic’s second week in December 2009, and signed a permanent 3-year deal on 19 January 2010. Scored his only goal for the first-team in a win at Fir Park against Motherwell, in December 2013.

21-year-old Estonian wonderkid attacking forward came on a week long trial at Lennoxtown in early December 2009 but left without signing a contract. Went to AE Larissa in Greece who immediately signed him on a 5 year deal. Had a very brief spell in Scottish football with St Mirren in 2013, but only played 3 games for them (including one substitute appearance against Celtic).

Slovakian under-21 international striker came on a 9-day trial in early December 2009 and rounded off an apparently quite satisfactory period scoring in a bounce game with the reserves against Everton reserves. He came from his club Ruzomberok, during the Slovakian mid-winter break saying that he didn’t usually do trials but felt that he couldn’t turn down the offer. He left to return to Slovakia with the chance of coming back later in the year, saying that the training was more professional in Scotland but complained about the amount of swearing! He arrived again after Christmas for the second part of his trial period. Eventually went to Sparta Prague in January 2010, although he would later return to Celtic on trial again, and played in a pre-season match against Wolves at Parkhead.

He arrived, trained for 1 day and then left, the coaching staff citing that his English wasn’t good enough! He said: ”I honestly still do not quite understand what happened. I went to Scotland but didn’t do any medicals nor participate in training sessions. Throughout the three days, all I had to do was wait until they bought me a ticket to return home. I was given no explanations by any of their managers. Naturally, I would like to test myself playing for such a famous team.”

19-year-old Norwegian centre-back from Stabaek, invited to Lennoxtown for training and trial in January 2010 after Gary Caldwell departed. Available on a free transfer and given the parsimonious nature of the Celtic board and its lust after young foreign blood he should have been a sure fire (particularly after appearing at training in Gary Caldwell’s squad number). “A decision about Thomas Rogne’s future will be made in the near future,” the player’s agent Mike Kjaeloe was quoted as saying. Eventually signed on 19 January 2010 on a 3-and-a-half year deal.

18-year-old Danish striker who arrived on trial in January 2010, around the same time as Morten Rasmussen joined permanently. Wasn’t offered a deal, and has since played for a number of clubs in Denmark, and also Roda JC in the Netherlands.

17-year-old Australian prospects handed trials shortly prior to Mowbray’s departure in March 2010. Virgili was a right-winger from Newcastle Jets while Batsis was a striker from Melbourne Victory.

Post Trial article

Both went on to play State-level stuff, Virgili for Broadmeadow Magic and Batsis forWerribee City

18-year-old Nigerian striker, trialled with Celtic in June 2010. Also trialled with Aberdeen and Southend United after hitting 20 goals in his debut season at English non-league minnows Soham Town.

Stayed with Soham Town for the 2010/11 season and remained a prolific scorer on the non-league circuit.

Montenegrin 22 year-old midfielder, generally a central midfielder but able to play left or right side as well as being described also as a ‘forward’. Arrived in July 2010 having previously had a trial in Germany with Nuremberg; came on a 10 day trial with his club saying that they would be honoured to do business; played 25 games the previous season but only played the full 90 in 6 of those games; only scored 1 goal; had a wasted season before that with Partizan Belgrade when he spent most of the time out with an ankle injury.

Before that was seen playing for Zeta against Rangers; said to be a much improved player but his current club would say that; Lennon and new coaching staff interested enough to give him an extended trial; said to be valued at anything between £500,000 and £1m. But, in the end, no contract was offered.

Not strictly a trialist – but came to look around in July 2010 with a view to a contract; Dutch-Ghanaian defensive midfielder weeks off his 35th birthday. Clearly washed-up and looking for a last pay-day. In a previous life was one of the rare ‘hits’ in Gordon Strachan’s scattergun approach to transfers while at Coventry City.

Picked up four caps for the Netherlands and joined Villa for £4.5m but spent the intervening decade picking up big wages at unfashionable Middlesbrough and Hull. Originally a contemporary of Petta and van Bronckhorst in Feyenoord’s youth system, before Strachan made his £250,000 swoop way back in 1997-98.

Alleged that the wheel nuts on his car had been tampered with when he was looking around Lennoxtown and that he had had ice thrown at him whilst staying in a hotel in the city centre. Eventually signed for Greeks Skoda Xanthi.

Similar to Boateng, not strictly a trialist. Another name player Celtic fans are probably pleased they avoided, Campbell was also on the agenda as a free transfer for Neil Lennon as he attempted to bring in some experience to his depleted Celtic defence, in June 2010. At the time, 35-year-old Campbell had actually just impressed with Arsenal in a short second spell and had travelled to Parkhead to try and push through a deal. His short but decent spell with Arsenal was actually just about enough to make us all ignore his age at the time, and his embarrassing debacle with Notts County.

The move was never meant to be, however, as Campbell opted to join Newcastle. The club didn’t mind that he snubbed them in the end, as his Newcastle career turned out to be extremely uninspiring as he scarcely gained any starts or earned much praise from the Toon fans. He then retired in 2012 after he was released by Alan Pardew in 2011 after a full year of failing to find a club that wanted him.

Many wondered why Lennon wanted him at Parkhead in the first place. This view of the player was solidly justified when Bullard demanded an extra £30,000 a week wage from the Glasgow giants – the kind of money that is lightyears away from what Celtic would pay to loan any player, let alone a mediocre player with most of his career behind him. Hull City were furious with him as they needed to offload Bullard’s wages to prepare for life in the English Championship, yet he still expected them to pay him during his time away.

A 25-year-old Guinean international full-back available in July of 2010, after falling out of favour at Le Mans. Spent the second half of last season on loan at second division Nantes but only managed seven appearances there. Had joined from Parma in 2006 after a couple of seasons as a squad player with the cash-strapped Italians.

An international team-mate of Bobo Balde but, sadly, more reminiscent of Mo Camara or Perrier-Doumbe. Unlikely to be the answer. So it proved, as he wound up with modest Belgian club Eupen.

17-year-old goalkeeper from Cobh. Spent two weeks trialling in July 2010, before joining Rangers – becoming their first Republic of Ireland player in the modern era, from Crumlin United. Agreed to TUPE across his contract to the new Rangers club in 2012, but released in 2014 he signed for Cork City, where he understudies the evergreen Mark McNulty.

19 year-old forward who broke into the Cliftonville side and scored a stack of goals, invited over for a trial at Lennoxtown in July 2010; interest in the young forward had been expressed by Barcelona, Espanyol, Manchester United and Bolton and Celtic were said to have been keeping tabs on him for a number of years.

Not offered a contract and in fact went back to Ireland to play for Cliftonville and help them in 2010/11 Europa league qualification games. Sealed a move to Werden Bremen on transfer deadline day, 2010. Eventually ended up in Scottish football at Ross County, before moving on to Burton Albion.

Player who had been banned for 4 games for spitting at John Hartson when he played for Celta Vigo, in 2002. Was without a club and was given the chance to trial in late July 2010 to try and win a contract at Celtic. Said to be a hard tackling holding midfielder who could also play in defence if required. He lost a year at Zaragoza, his previous club, overcoming a knee injury. Had a long history and number of clubs played for in France and Spain.

Not allowed to play in the pre-season Emirates Cup, so was moved on with no contract offered.

Young 18-year-old Dutch striker with NAC Breda invited over for a week long trial in August 2010. He was out of contract at the Dutch club and had been watched at a tournament in May. He had decided to move rather than sign full papers with NAC. NAC would be due a fee based on youth player development and it was envisaged that the player would join the Reserves. In the end, no contract was offered.

He eventually would end up in Scottish football – at Ross County. He was involved in a blatant dive to win a last-minute penalty for his side against Celtic, despite being yards away from the nearest Celtic player. Referee Don Robertson was the only person in the stadium who considered it a penalty.

Decent keeper who was in Scotland for the 2010 pre-season with Real Valladolid and training at Stirling Albion’s ground. Lennon went to see him and wanted him to come on trial for a week with a possible £600,000 deal resting on his performance, training with the main team. With the sale of Boruc to Fiorentina and the poor displays of Zaluska there was an urgent need for a commanding number 1 goalkeeper. The loan signing of Fraser Forster, eventually meant no deal was offered to him.

27 year-old Nigerian striker who had been with FC Koln in the Bundesliga, arrived for a trial in August 2010. Was still in contract with Koln, but a poor run of form (scoring only once in 30 appearances) combined with a long period of bad luck with injuries saw Koln wanting to release him and allowing him to go out on trials with other clubs. He had played in Germany and Belgium and had first transferred from Nigeria to the Australian Institute of Sport in New South Wales. Wasn’t offered a contract.

18 year-old centre forward with Trinidadian club W Connection was alleged to be at the club for a two week trial in August 2010. In 2009 he also had a trial with Sporting Braga. He played for the Trinidad and Tobago youth side coached by Russell Latapy.

Hit two goals in a reserve XI win over Motherwell (14 September 2010) and thought to be a candidate for a contract in January 2011. But returned to W Connection and joined Colorado Rapids’ MLS pre-season training camp in February 2011.

22 year-old Edgware-born striker who came through Spurs’ academy system. Released from Tottenham after a loan spell with Leyton Orient, but spent season 2009-10 back at Spurs on non-contract terms after a trial at RC Strasbourg failed to work out.

Played in a Lennoxtown in a bounce game against Real Valladolid on 10 August 2010. The game was arranged to look at Dawkins, as well as the Spaniards’ afore-mentioned GK Jacobo Sanz and a CB named Cesar Arzo. Sadly for the young hoops side it ended in an embarrassing 0-6 defeat.

Dawkins continued to train with Spurs, until joining MLS team San Jose Earthquakes in March 2011.

Striking prospect, 19, plucked from the youth ranks of Mexican partner club Santos Laguna in September 2010. Florida-born, he was at the centre of an international tug-of-war between Mexico and the USA. Handed a four month loan/trial arrangement and featured in reserve and friendly games.

Not signed in January and returned to Mexico, where he swiftly broke into Santos Laguna’s first-team.

Was eventually sold to Standard Liege for £1.2m, before a host of loan moves and failed moves, which also starting a side business of a movie review website ‘Watt To Watch’.

Erratic Guinean forward with decent pedigree after spells at Bordeaux (played against Celtic in the UEFA Cup) and St. Etienne in France, arrived for trial in November 2010. Put out to pasture in the Middle East two years ago (where he trousered a tax-free 35k-a-week) but was still only 29. By 22 December was back in Saudi, claiming to be fielding offers from Europe’s elite having snubbed Celtic’s terms. Delighted his bank manager with a move to AS Monaco. He played a 2nd time against Celtic in the UEFA Cup, this time was FC Sion.

He hardly featured, and the signing of Kris Commons meant he wasn’t missed much. Left the club at the end of the season with a few months’ wages in his pocket.

Said by Lennon to be a Shaun Maloney-type player. Presumably he meant ‘creative attacking midfielder who cuts in from the left,’ rather than ‘injury-prone nearly man.’

In any event his club declined to offer a deal.

Another two Romanian kids handed eight day trials in January 2011. Ignat was a 15-year-old goalie and as a midfielder, 17-year-old Stanciu was inevitably “the new Hagi”. Sent back to their second division club, Unirea Alba Iulia, with kind words ringing in their ears.

Stanciu did turn into a player and was the Belgian league’s record signing when Anderlecht picked him up fromSteauaBucharest in summer 2016. He duly donned Hagi’s number 10 shirt for Romania at Euro 2016. He was a bit lightweight though, and Anderlecht offloaded him 18 months later to Sparta Prague, for another national record fee.

For his part Ignat spent time with Real Valladolid’s academy but picked up a nasty elbow injury and returned home. He turned out for several lower division clubs including the ‘newco’ Rapid Bucharest.

Came for a week long trial in April 2011 looking for a move to Scotland. Chance for the backroom staff to assess him. Tall Italian striker out of favour with Catania and in dispute with them and not having played all season. He had said that his signature on a 1 year contract with Catania was forged and the whole thing had gone to the beaks and he lost. He would be a free agent in the summer ’11 and therefore perfectly acceptable to the Board.

With the departure of the on-loan Forster back to Newcastle the search was on for a new number 1 goalkeeper whilst Zaluska continued to deputise. Croatian Pletikosa arrived in July 2011 and had a good track record having played for Shaktar Donetsk and Spartak Moscow and he played in the pre-season friendly against Cardiff City where he had very little chance to show what he could do, and against Wolves where he let in a goal. Flew back to Croatia after two weeks without a contract, but leaving a sob story to the chipwrappers that he’d lost a stack of money by leaving Moscow when in fact he had been released by Spartak Moscow and was out of contract there.

Allegedly ‘hot’ South African striker with Mamelodi Sundowns; came on a much publicised trial for 4 days after the season opener against Hibs, in July 2011. Had previously had a taste of European football in France as a 19-year-old with Strasbourg and Stade Reims. Was also being courted by a number of other teams including the Israeli side Maccabi Haifa; played in a pre-season friendly against Wolves. By the end of the month both him and Lacny were told that they were NRB’d.

Slovakian striker who had already been to Lennoxtown on trial in December 2009, arrived for a second trial in July 2011. Since then he had joined Sparta Prague but looked as though he still wanted a Celtic gig; previously a Slovakian under-21 and good reports of his progress; played in a pre-season friendly against Wolves. By the end of the month both him and Mphela were told that they were NRB’d. He DID end up coming to Scotland though, at the end of the month when Sparta Prague loaned him to Dundee United for the rest of the season.

Tall, 31 year-old much travelled Cameroonian striker who played most of his football in the German leagues. Neil Lennon confirmed that he was going on trial at Lennoxtown for a few days in August 2011; generally an attacking all rounder but likes to play either in the centre or as an attacking left-sider. Was in the last year of his contract with Borussia Monchengladbach.

Unattached having been released by Sunderland at the end of the previous season; offered a trial in November 2011 and actually came; but was quickly out of the frame as he clearly wanted more money than the Board could or would spend. Talented player in his day who had played with a host of big clubs, but now 35 and prone to injury – and still wanting a big wedge to play. Celtic decided against offering him a contract.

The Nigerian playmaker was released from PSV at the end of 2011 and arrived for trial in January 2012. A talented prospect that quite a few clubs were interested in, he was included in World Soccer list of 50 exciting teenagers in 2007. Played in a bounce game against St Johnstone, and was subsequently signed on a 3-and-a-half year contract on 18 January 2012.

Freed to Kilmarnock a year later, he lasted another year at Rugby Park before heading for Slovakia and AS Trencin. Two solid years there led to a failed spell at Gent, after which he returned to Slovakia with Slovan Bratislava.

Icelandic trialist featured in a development side game against St Johnstone in January 2012; had a trial also at Arsenal and had previously been linked to Manchester United; able to play either wing; somewhat slight but had also had two spells in Holland with Heerenveen’s youth team.

Homesickness apparently washed out his Heerenveen sojourns, as it did with a brief spell at Lyngby in Denmark. He stuck to playing in Iceland and by 2018 was in the third division with KH. In 2017 he had given Holland another try with amateurs IJsselmeervogels, only for homesickess to rear its head again.

Colombian-born US striker who arrived for a 2-week trial in November 2012 from Chivas USA. Celtic apparently made an offer for him in January 2013 – but his club described the offer as “not a serious one” and it was rejected.

Went on to a decent career in MLS with Chivas USA and NE Revolution, winning over 25 caps for the “USMNT”. Stoke City signed him in 2014 but had to park him at Utrecht when he was refused a work permit. After six months they cut their losses and sent him back to MLS.

Son of manager, Brendan Rodgers, Anton Rodgers joined Celtic for their pre-season tour of Austria in June 2017 following his release by Swindon Town. Was named on the bench for the friendly match against BM Linz, and came on for the 2nd half.

He saw out 17-18 at Hungerford Town. Spotted on trial at Falkirk in September 2018.

Croatian defensive midfielder, 22, from Slaven Belupo handed a trial in January 2016. With Scott Brown and Stefan Johanson decidedly off form in the dog days of Ronny Deila’s regime new blood was urgently required. But Crepulja was deemed not the answer and moved on after a week or so. He went to Mechelen in Belgium but only made four appearances, heading to Belarus then back to the Balkans with FK Sarajevo.

Manchester-born 18yo centre-back up for a fortnight’s trial in July 2017. Was an ex-Everton youth on the books at Chelsea but looking to get out of their ginormous playing squad to make his mark. He was picked up by West Brom in August 2017 and played under-23 stuff for them throughout 17-18 before joining Barrow on loan.

Lanky Irish goalkeeping prodigy from Shamrock Rovers. Trialled in summer 2018 but also being pursued by half the EPL after breaking into Rovers’ first team as a 16yo and consigning ex-NI and St Johnstone stopper Alan Mannus to the sub’s bench. In October 2018 agreed a pre-contract to Man City, which Rovers said was “the biggest transfer by an Irish club in the professional era”.

A right-back taken on the pre-season tour of Austria in June 2018. Said to have been a prospect at one stage, he signed for Hull City for £3.5m in 2015 but was now available on a free transfer after a crocked knee sidelined him for two years. He went back to Brentford instead. Rodgers said he wasn’t training but was in talks.