Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Adam Miller

Celtic legend Pierre van Hooijdonk names former team-mates in all-time XI

Pierre van Hooijonk has named four former Celtic players in his all-time XI.

Speaking to Dutch newspaper AD, van Hooijdonk picked a team comprised of players he's played alongside.

The 50-year-old made 84 appearances during his time at Celtic Park, scoring 52 goals including a Scottish Cup Final winner. before leaving for Nottingham Forest.

The first of his Celtic picks was Jackie McNamara, about whom he said: "He was a young boy who played very offensive and enthusiastic.

"He had a great cross, which was of course fantastic for me as a striker.

"He was also a great colleague."

His next pick from that Celtic team of the '90s was Tosh McKinlay. Van Hooijdonk said: "Tosh was a Scot with whom I played at Celtic.

"If that guy crossed the centre line with his strong left leg, he could swing the ball in front of the goal.

"As a striker I knew that I had to run when he was on the ball, because that ball was going to come anyway.

"He and McNamara were a great support to me during my time there."

Next up was Andy Thom, with van Hooijdonk saying: "Andreas also deserves a place in my team.

Andreas Thom celebrates with Tosh McKinlay after scoring his second goal against Falkirk in April 1996 (Sunday Mail)

"He was really super creative. I like that. He had a great shot and was not selfish at all.

"He liked to put a ball wide as much as he scored himself. It was wonderful for me to play with him in Scotland."

His final selection was Paolo di Canio. Of the controversial Italian van Hooijdonk said: "He came from AC Milan to Celtic in 1996.

"He brought us brutality, flair and a certain arrogance.

"We needed that as a team. He really had a great hood move. Everyone fell over, only he stopped.

"Paolo could score a goal, but also create opportunities."

Van Hooijdonk also played for the likes of Feyenoord, NAC Breda, Nottingham Forest and Benfica, while accumulating 46 Netherlands caps.

His full XI was: Robert Enke, Jackie McNamara, Fábio Luciano, Mahamadou Diarra, Tosh McKinlay, Paul Bosvelt, Maniche, Andy Thom, Ton Lokhoff, Paolo Di Canio, Alex de Souza.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.