3rd January 1987
Scottish Premier Division
Celtic 8-3 Hamilton Acc.
Anton Rogan makes his debut in 11-goal thriller
Celtic came into this game on the back of a poor performance in a 2-0 Ne'erday defeat from Rangers, in fact, though still clinging to top spot in the league, the hoops had failed to record a win in their four previous games. David Hay had recognised that his defence was the area of the team needing most attention but the Celtic boss was told by chairman Jack McGinn, through a newspaper article, that any defenders that Hay bought would have to be funded from the managers own pocket!
The lack of funds available for signings saw the manager introduce Anton Rogan into the defence and he made his debut in left back position which allowed Derek Whyte to move into the centre and Peter Grant moving into midfield. Roy Aitken and Mo Johnston were suspended whilst Tommy Burns and Davie Provan were injured. Anton would prove to be a very popular figure with the fans but when he set up Hamilton for the opener that wasn't looking likely.
Fortunately the Celts scored eight in reply and Anton's blushes were spared. The makeshift side certainly provided entertainment for the meagre Celtic Park crowd of just over 16,000 but the sparkling display of forward play by McClair, McLeod and McInally failed to disguise the continuing defensive frailties within the team.
Teams
Celtic: Bonner, McGrain, Rogan, W McStay, Whyte, Grant, McClair, P McStay, McInally. MacLeod, Archdeacon
Subs: McGhee, Shepherd
Scorers: MacLeod (15, 61), McClair (30, 52, 62, 77), McInally (53, 71).
Hamilton Accies: McKellar, Brazil, Sprott, Speirs, Collins, McKee, Phillips (Mailer), Pelosi, Brogan, Craig, McCabe (Clarke)
Scorers: Craig (17), Mailer (79), McKee (84)
Referee: Sinclair (Forfar)
Attendance: 16,380