LEIGH Griffiths has continued to add to his goals tally since becoming the latest Celtic Century Bhoy – one of only 29 players to have scored 100 goals or more for the club. His total now stands at 115 goals, putting him 21st in the all-time scoring charts, just two behind Bobby Collins.

Over the next few weeks, the Celtic View will look at our 21 greatest goalscorers, which includes our current No.9, looking briefly at the careers of the men occupying the top scoring spots. We start, not surprisingly, with the legendary James Edward McGrory…

Jimmy McGrory
Appearances: 445
Goals: 468
Debut: Celtic 0-0 Third Lanark; 20/01/1923

The scoring exploits of Jimmy McGrory stand alone in Celtic’s history. Signed by Willie Maley, he made his debut in a 1-0 defeat to Third Lanark in 1923, but from a humble start, he would soon find his scoring boots for the Bhoys.

His strength going forward and determination to take the hard knocks that were common during that era, made him more than a handful for any defenders that came up against him. His talent at heading the ball earned him rave reviews and the attention of fans everywhere when in the Scottish Cup final at Hampden in 1925, his last-minute header gave the Celts a last-gasp win.

Not to be overshadowed, his skill with the ball at his feet was also legendary with McGrory becoming known as the man who could score from any angle or distance. He also scored EIGHT goals in a 9-0 win over Dunfermline in 1928 – just part of his amazing haul of 468 goals in 445 Celtic appearances.

However, he will be perhaps best be remembered for his love of the club, indicated by his refusal to move to Arsenal in the summer of 1928 where he would have become the highest paid player in the country.

Tomorrow: Bobby Lennox

Celtic View celebrates our greatest goalscorers - Jimmy McGrory