The Scottish Premiership is by no means one of the top leagues in European football but with the gravitational pull of its high-profile clubs, Rangers and Celtic, a long list of top players have plied their trade in Glasgow and beyond.
In recent years, the Hoops have been a feeder club to Premier League sides, with the likes of Matt O’Riley, Kieran Tierney, Odsonne Edouard, and perhaps most notably, Virgil van Dijk all being lured away from Celtic Park by English sides in the last decade or so.
Celtic, back under the guidance of Brendan Rodgers for a second stint, look all but set to defend their title in the Scottish Premiership odds. So, as the division continues to be one-way traffic, let’s take a look at five of the best players to ever play in Scotland.
Henrik Larsson – Celtic
One of the greatest strikers to grace the Scottish Premiership, Henrik Larsson is still an icon at Celtic Park two decades after his departure to Barcelona in 2004.
The Swedish forward arrived in Glasgow from Feyenoord in 1997 and went on to score 174 goals in 221 top-flight games for the Hoops.
Larsson’s knack for finding the back of the net helped Celtic to four Scottish titles, two Scottish Cups and two Scottish League Cups, while they finished runner-up in the UEFA Cup in 2003.
Brian Laudrup – Rangers
By the time he shockingly arrived at Ibrox in 1994, Brian Laudrup had already won the European Championship, Serie A, and Champions League.
The late Walter Smith convinced him to join the Gers, and the great Dane was an integral part of one of the club’s most successful periods, helping them win the final three titles towards nine in a row.
Laudrup, who famously rejected Barcelona to stay at Ibrox, also won the Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup in his four seasons at Ibrox before moving to Chelsea in 1998.
Sir Kenny Daglish – Celtic
Considered a legend of British football, Sir Kenny Daglish started his illustrious career with Celtic before earning a move to Liverpool—where he’s still loved by the Reds’ loyal fanbase to this day.
Daglish scored an incredible 111 times in 204 league appearances for the Hoops, helping them to four league titles, four Scottish Cups, and a Scottish League Cup.
The Scot briefly returned to Celtic Park as interim boss in 2000, winning another Scottish League Cup during his stint in the dugout.
Ally McCoist – Rangers
Revered these days as one of the best on the microphone as a co-commentator, Ally McCoist was just as good on the pitch as he is in the gantry.
‘Coisty’ is the Gers’ all-time top-scorer, netting 250 times in over 400 Scottish Premiership games for the Ibrox club and was a regular favourite to bag in football betting markets.
The forward won a remarkable 10 league titles and nine Scottish League Cups while playing alongside icons like Laudrup and Paul ‘Gazza’ Gascoigne.
George Best – Hibernian
While there’s no doubt that George Best isn’t best remembered for his time in Scotland with Hibernian, the Ballon d’Or winner is still well worth a mention.
Largely considered one of the best players of all time, the Northern Irish winger made 22 appearances for Hibs between 1979 and 1981.
Best’s time in Edinburgh might not have been a success on the pitch, as Hibs were relegated. However, the club benefitted massively from the fanfare, and match attendance soared.
