This position really is oversubscribed, from the candidates in this category you could easily make up an outstanding midfield.
Increasingly this position dictates the way that a team plays, it’s common to hear this position described as the heartbeat of the side.
Bertie Auld and Bobby Murdoch set the standard under Jock Stein and while that duo are untouchable there has been a few players since who’d have given them a run for their money to be in the Lisbon side.
One of the beauties of the position is that it can accommodate different types of midfielders, the skillfull leader, the destroyer or the fairly modern holding midfielder.
Whoever comes out on top in this category has certainly earned the right to puff out their chest, with Brendan Rodgers currently looking in this area, he’d jump at any of these candidates finding a time machine.
The position requires passion and responsibility as well as skill, it’s no co-incidence that a good few captains are contained within this category.
We’ve picked five worthy candidates, make sure you vote for your favourite on the final page…
The team is based on players who have played since that afternoon in Lisbon, the Lions have been left out of contention for this vote.
PAUL MCSTAY
The complete Celt, had he been around a decade earlier or later his talent would have picked up the rewards it deserves.
Would certainly have been in either the Lisbon or Seville teams.
McStay was tipped for the top from the moment he starred in a Schoolboy International at Wembley.
Before he was out of his teens he was a key man in a successful Celtic side but a good portion of his Celtic career was spent propping up a struggling team.
In saying that he scored a magnificent goal in the 5-0 league winner at Love Street, scooped the Player of the Year awards in 88 and was around to lift the 1995 Scottish Cup to end a six year trophy drought that had taken it’s toll.
* Cast your vote on the final page…
NEIL LENNON
Was probably Celtic’s first defensive midfielder, his arrival was pivotal to the success of the Martin O’Neill era.
It takes a special discipline to master the role with Lennon a midfield enforcer and buffer in front of a three man central defence. His attacking days were blunted but not many teams got a free run at the Celtic defence.
Lennon picked up five SPL winners medals as he made his mark on Scottish football, sadly some people were unable to cope with his DNA.
*Cast your vote on the final page…
PAUL LAMBERT
Played a huge role in two key successful periods for the club – stopping 10-in-a-row and the golder O’Neill days.
Thankfully a homesick wife triggered the return of a Champions League winner from Borussia Dortmond, by New Year 1998 he had triggered the downfall of Walter Smith’s retirement party with a stunning 25-yarder that paved the way to a 2-0 win.
Craig Burley failed to survive through the John Barnes regime but when O’Neill walked in he recognised the quality of Lambert who led the side with style, drive and plenty of success.
*Cast your vote on the final page…
VICTOR WANYAMA
The perfect example of scouting, turning around a £10m profit and leaving his mark on the pitch.
As soon as he got his chance in midfield it was a game changer, Beram Kayal’s Celtic career was ended and more than a few opponents wished they hadn’t bumped into the powerful Kenyan.
By the time that he scored against Barcelona his departure seemed assured with just the destination to be identified.
Southampton received a quality performer who is now making a big impact as Tottenham bid to end a 56 year wait to be champions of England.
*Cast your vote on the final page…
SCOTT BROWN
What more can be said of Celtic’s current skipper. There are a variety of reasons contributing towards his current high level of performances with Brendan Rodgers raising his game to new levels.
His £4m arrival in 2007 was a real statement of intent but it was a couple of years before Celtic fans saw the best of the former Hibs man.
Neil Lennon, Ronny Deila and Rodgers have all put their faith in Brown wearing the armband.
Cast your vote below…
