APPROPRIATELY, it was the 67th minute when Paul McStay launched a breathtaking strike into the Rangers net to propel Celtic in the direction of the championship in their centenary year of 1988.
Billy McNeill’s men had already beaten Graeme Souness’ side twice in the pursuit of the crown and all eyes were on Ibrox on a grey, crisp Sunday afternoon of March 20 as the Glasgow giants locked horns once again.
The Hoops went into the confrontation knowing a third triumph would leave them requiring just nine points from eight games to make sure the flag fluttered once again in the east end of Glasgow.
LIFT-OFF…Paul McStay takes to the air after lashing in a spectacular opening goal at Ibrox on a fateful March day in 1988 on Celtic’s triumphant march towards a centenary title. Frank McAvennie gets a good view of The Maestro at work.
These were the days of two points for a win and, equally, the Govan club were aware they needed to claw their way back into the race if they were to hold onto their title.
The first-half was keenly fought with both teams boasting excellent midfields. Tommy Burns and Billy Stark accompanied McStay in the Celtic engine room while Ray Wilkins, Ian Durrant and Ian Ferguson provided the direct opposition.
Pat Bonner and Chris Woods, both international custodians, had made some crucial saves before a special moment unlocked the hosts’ back door.
There was some panic and pandemonium in in the Rangers penalty area with some haphazard attempts at clearances. There was a brief shout from the visiting fans for a penalty-kick when the ball brushed the hand of Richard Gough, but referee Bob Valentine was unconvinced.
Before an enquiry could even begin, Chris Morris nodded down to McStay, lurking on the edge of the box and the man known as The Maestro summoned up all the power in his body to swivel and hit the ball with his left foot with timing verging on perfection.
HOOP HOOP HOORAY…Paul McStay enjoys his special moment.
The shot raged past the despairing Wood and the Hoops supporters rose in unison behind the sprawling keeper to acclaim a glimpse of sheer genius.
In that instant, 22 minutes after the turnaround, Celtic knew they were on their way to historic glory.
Paul McStay, who celebrates his 61st birthday today, had again played a monumental role.
The home side did manage to equalise though Jan Bartram in the 74th minute, but this was Celtic’s day and, just five minutes later, Andy Walker deflected in the winner via his chest from close-range after a right-wing corner-kick from Burns had created consternation for Souness’ scrambling defenders.
But it was McStay’s devastating strike that turned a fiercely-competitive contest.
It was just one more sprinkling of stardust on proceedings provided by a genuine Celtic great.
The league championship and the Scottish Cup were claimed as Celtic celebrated 100 years of service and McStay had been a guiding light throughout a memorable campaign.
IBROX ELATION…Paul McStay celebrates his Ibrox strike with the jubilant Celtic support.
The 76 times-capped Scotland international midfielder won eight honours – three titles among them – at Parkhead before an ankle injury forced him to quit at the all-too-early age of 32.
The setting of Stark’s Park on April 5 1997 hardly befitted the occasion when one of the game’s marvellously gifted performers bowed out of football.
But Paul McStay’s star will always shine for those fortunate enough to play alongside him and those privileged to watch from the terracings.
Happy birthday, Maestro from all at CQN and grateful Celtic supporters worldwide.
Thank you for the memories.
