Celtic and Rangers have always been big fish in a small pond. With large, dedicated fanbases, most clubs in the world would should be envious with the prospect of consistent European football – although Rangers have been absent from Europe for five years – they are alluring potential destinations for many players.
Still, the reality in the current generation is that Scotland’s big two are viewed as a stepping stone to the promised land of the English Premier League. Over the years, however, both Celtic and Rangers have attracted an array of talent from across the globe. While there have been numerous successes in that time, not all of the Old Firm’s acquisitions have reached heady heights.
From former legends in the twilight of their careers to ambitious youngsters from across the globe, both of these clubs have had their fair share of forgettable signings. Like the Arsenal legend who had the briefest of stints at Celtic or the Rangers defender who’s career was so memorable he became a famous TV chef. There’s also a Brazilian superstar who was a cult hero for a Premier League club but disappeared without a trace at Celtic and a Champions League-winning Manchester United defender who flopped at Rangers. Let’s take a look at some of the players you probably forgot even played for Celtic or Rangers…
Jeremie Aliadiere
A promising youngster in 2005, Aliadiere joined Celtic on loan. He amassed a grand total of two appearances. Both as a sub. Image Source: Wikipedia
Francis Jeffers
The once highly-rated ex-Everton & Arsenal man, played only a handful of times for Rangers without scoring. Image Source: Fantasticpixcool.com
Olivier Kapo
The serial journeyman made just two appearances for The Hoops. Image Source: Tarafdari.com
Olivier Bernard
The ex-Newcastle left-back had a forgettable spell at Ibrox in 2005, playing just nine times.
Image Source: Squawka
Freddie Ljungberg
The former Arsenal man is perhaps the most anti-climatic signing in Celtic's history. Categorically the worst No.7 in Celtic's history. Image Source: Squawka
Gordon Ramsay
Injury ended the TV Chef's career before it began. He claims to making two appearances for the Rangers first-team.
Image Source: Wikipedia
Juninho
The Brazilian followed Henrik Larsson in the No.7 jersey. 17 games, one goal.
Image Source: The Celtic Wiki
Emerson
The Brazilian journeyman who played for Middlesbrough & Atletico Madrid, played 14 times for Rangers. Image Source: Squawka
Henri Camara
On loan from Wolves in 2005, Camara's most memorable moment was in an Old Firm clash with Alex Rae. Source: Willie Vass
Egil Ostenstad
Former Southampton hitman flopped in 11 appearances at Rangers in 2003. Source: Scottish Sun
Ian Wright
Arsenal legend had a forgettable spell at Celtic, scoring three goals in eight games. Image Source: Squawka
Aaron Niguez
The brother of Atletico ace Saul Niguez, Aaron was on loan at Rangers in 2008 playing only three times.
Image Source: Scottish Sun
Dion Dublin
The former Man Utd striker spent six months on loan at Parkhead. The highlight - a goal in the CIS Cup Final of 2006. Image Source: Scoopnest.com
Joey Barton
He may only have joined last summer, but Barton's most memorable contributions at Rangers came off the pitch. Never change, Joey. Image Source: Fella.com
Koki Mizuno
After Nakamura, Celtic ventured into the Far East for talent on a few occasions. Koki Mizuno's career never got off the ground, appearing only 11 times. Image Source: NoFootyNoLifeBlog
Federico Nieto
Decent reputation in his native Argentina, but his loan spell at Rangers involved only three appearances and one goal. Image Source: Ecuavisa.com
Diomansy Kamara
Kamara scored three goals in his 10 appearances for Celtic. Image Source: The Celtic Wiki
James Beattie
For one with a good reputation in the Premier League, James Beattie must regret his seven goalless appearances at the Ibrox club. Image Source: The Scottish Sun
It’s clear to see why none of these guys made in into the greatest Celtic-Rangers team XI of the 21st century.
In a season where Brendan Rodgers looks to take his Hoops side to an unbeaten season, the SPL still cannot get the respect it feels it deserves. But that depends on whether you think Celtic going through a campaign without defeat is a sign of their strength or a weakness of the league…
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