THE Celtic View continues its look at our 21 greatest goalscorers, which includes our current No.9, Leigh Griffiths, looking briefly at the careers of the men occupying the top scoring spots.

Today, we feature Bobby Collins, a great Celt from the 1950s, scorer of many great goals and part of the famous Hoops team that won 7-1 in the Hampden sun back in 1957.

Bobby Collins
Appearances: 320
Goals: 117
Debut: Celtic 32 Rangers; 13/08/1949

As was fitting for a player nicknamed ‘The Wee Barra’, Bobby Collins stood just 5’4’’ in height, weighed 10 stone and wore a size 4 boot. He was, however, a ferocious competitor, a player who was rarely outmuscled and never intimidated by bigger opponents. Collins seemed to pack an extraordinary amount of power into his short frame and also possessed a thunderous shot.

If it hadn’t been for his lead-taking goal and his all-round performance in the 1957 League Cup semi-final against Clyde, Celtic may never have made the final – and we would never have had the 7-1 game that followed.

There is a peculiar tale to tell about Collins’ hat-trick against Aberdeen on September 26, 1953 as all three of the goals came from the spot. Not only that, but Aberdeen captain, Jimmy Mitchell, then the Dons’ record signing at £7,000 from Morton the year before, had a bit of a hat-trick himself – it was him who committed the fouls for all three penalties!

The first was in the eighth minute when Mitchell pushed Jimmy Walsh and Collins blasted the ball past Fred Martin in the Aberdeen goal. Just before half-time, Mitchell fouled Collins and goal No.2 immediately followed. It was in the 67th minute when both Mitchell and Collins completed their respective bizarre hat-tricks.

Tomorrow: Leigh Griffiths

Celtic View celebrates our greatest goalscorers - Bobby Collins