As Charlie Mulgrew hangs up his boots, we look at 3 of his magical Celtic moments

Former Celt Charlie Mulgrew called an end to his 18-year playing career yesterday, hanging up his boots at the age of 37.

A Celtic State of Mind were lucky enough to host an event with Mulgrew two weeks ago where we took a walk down memory lane as well as getting some of the funniest stories and tales from the former Blackburn captain’s career.

Mulgrew spent 6 years as a first-team player at Celtic and played his part in some historic and memorable games at Celtic Park. Here are 3 of Charlie Mulgrew’s best moments as a Celtic player.

Diving header against Rangers

Celtic faced a Rangers side heading towards liquidation on 29th April 2012, the final derby of the season. It was none other than Charlie Mulgrew who opened the scoring on that day, a famous goal as he drifted in unmarked around the sea of bodies to score a phenomenal diving header from a Kris Commons corner.

As a boyhood Celtic fan who had come up through the youth academy, it was naturally one of the biggest dreams of his footballing career to score a goal in a derby match and a very proud moment for his family.

Celtic would go on to win 3-0 that day as Kris Commons scored on the half-hour mark and Gary Hooper scored a second half-rocket to secure the bragging rights and the 3 points on the day.

Assist for Victor Wanyama

One of the most famous nights in modern Celtic history: Celtic 2-1 Barcelona.

Pep Guardiola’s side had dominated world football for years with a team boasting stars such as Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi.

Celtic were expected to do nothing else but roll over. But they won and it was an assist from Charlie Mulgrew for the opener. Mulgrew sent in a brilliant delivery for Victor Wanyama to rise highest and power his header past Victor Valdes.

Mulgrew then accompanied the Celtic defence as they defended valiantly in a game where their backs were against the wall for 90 minutes.

We all know what happened next, as teenager Tony Watt was subbed on to score a goal that will live long in the memory of Celtic fans.

Weaker-foot goal in league winner

Celtic secured the league title in April of 2012 with a 6-0 demolition job at Rugby Park against Kilmarnock, a game in which Charlie Mulgrew grabbed two goals and two assists.

Celtic needed just a point to win the title and Mulgrew got the scoring started eight minutes in with a towering header. Less than ten minutes later Glen Loovens was on hand to put the Hoops two ahead before Mulgrew scored the pick of the bunch.

He manoeuvred his way down the left-hand side before cutting inside on his weaker right-foot. That didn’t matter though, as he curled in a pearler past Cammy Bell.

Gary Hooper would make it 4-0 before half-time, and second-half goals from Joe Ledley and Hooper would ensure that Celtic ran out 6-0 victors.

On a day that Celtic secured the league title, it was Charlie Mulgrew’s individual performance and brilliance that stood out.

JAMES MCKENZIE