To say Wilson was a revelation in his first season was an understatement. Strong in the tackle and decent in an attacking position with an eye for a pass Willo was an instant hit with the Celtic support. However things were to turn for the worse during a Champions League match against Man Utd at Old Trafford as Wilson broke a bone in his foot.
Wilson has spent the next two seasons in and out of the treatment room. With the previous managers stubbornness in signing full back cover becoming the catalyst for many fans negative opinions of him. However Wilson continued to fight for fitness and to get over the groin and Pelvis problems that have dogged him since.
Despite all the injury worries the Club has stuck by the player as he was rewarded with a new contract early this year. "I signed a new contract in January and was pretty fortunate to do that given how much time I've spent struggling to recover my fitness.
"I'll always be grateful to Gordon for bringing me here then renewing my contract at a time when he could have said 'no thanks' because I was always injured.
"I was surprised to be offered the new deal and delighted a club as big as Celtic would want to keep me.
"Gordon showed a lot of faith in me and I was grateful for that because I understand the club's financial situation.
"With me being injured at the time it must have been a difficult decision for them. I just hope I can repay Gordon and chief executive Peter Lawwell by getting back in the team and going on a run of games."
Some have pointed out in the past that showing loyalty to the playing staff in situations like these is sheer folly in these cut throat financial times but I for one am glad that Celtic continues to show compassion for our players in times of need. Wilson however is not relying on any such charity to pay his wages as he seeks to get back to full fitness and attempt to get a run in the team.
Wilson said: "There was a spell last season when I thought, 'This is my run', but it wasn't to be and I'm looking for that chance again.
"Andy Hinkel is in front of me so it won't be easy. I need to get games under my belt before I can really challenge for a starting place."
"I was never really fit after being taken off against Dundee United on January 2.
"I had a lot of problems with my pelvis and had a tear in my groin. They say these problems all come at once and they had a knock-on effect on me.
"There was nothing I could do to help. I had a few operations which didn't really work but, touch wood, the third one has fixed me.
"I know I'll get fit eventually - I can't be injured forever - and I hope I'm now over all my problems. My whole time with Dundee United was injury-free and I didn't miss any games.
"However, since I joined Celtic I've found it hard to kick-start my career. There have been times when I've tried to rush back from injury.
"That hasn't helped in the long term but that's just my personality.
"I want to play as often as I can. When you've been injured as much as I have you try to push yourself that bit harder and it's Catch 22 because you end up breaking down again.
"This time, though, I've taken even longer than the surgeon recommended to come back, just to be on the safe side."
Yours in Celtic
Clydebuilt