Just how many Celtic fans out there remember Ramon Vega’s time at the club? He did sign for the Hoops quite a long time ago – 20 years ago in fact.
He joined the Hoops on loan from Spurs in December 2000, and according to the always reliable database the Celtic Wiki only made 26 appearances for the side, before leaving at the end of the season.
His time at the club was certainly memorable though. He did manage to help Celtic secure a first domestic treble in 32 years.
Why are we discussing Ramon Vega, you may ask? Well, he was a centre-back, who made a very memorable debut for the Hoops. One which hopefully Shane Duffy can emulate if he starts for Celtic against Ross County on Saturday afternoon.
Two goals on debut
In his time at Celtic, Vega only scored two league goals, and both were on his debut, a 6-0 win over Aberdeen at Celtic Park.
Vega’s first goal was actually a deft finish, as he got on the end of an Alan Thompson free-kick. His second goal was a more typical centre-back’s goal, a header.
Now, we know that Duffy has a goalscoring side to his game. That was shown recently when Duffy was on international duty. He headed home a late equaliser for Ireland in their recent 1-1 draw with Bulgaria.
Decent goal record for centre-half
In his career so far, he has scored 25 goals in 330 games, which is a decent record for a centre-back.
His Celtic career would be off to the perfect start if he managed to have a debut as successful as Vega.
Even one goal would be fine, if it was accompanied by a rousing Celtic win, like the one over Aberdeen in Vega’s debut.
No doubt Celtic fans everywhere will be eager to see Duffy’s first game for the Hoops. If it is anything like as memorable as Vega’s was, it will be a debut to remember for the player, the club and the supporters.
In other news, Celtic’s reported interest in a left-back should spur on Greg Taylor to up his game.
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