Chris Sutton

Chris Sutton was Martin O’Neill’s first major signing as Celtic manager, arriving from Chelsea in July 2000 for £6million after a difficult year at Stamford Bridge. He scored on his debut against Dundee United and, a month later, twice in the 6-2 demolition of Rangers that announced the O’Neill era – the first of them inside the opening minute, one of the fastest goals in Old Firm history.

Paired with Henrik Larsson, and later John Hartson, Sutton was the physical anchor of the most successful Celtic side of the modern era. He won three league titles, three Scottish Cups and a League Cup, was named SPFA Player of the Year in 2004, and played a central part in the run to the 2003 UEFA Cup final in Seville. He also filled in at centre-half when required, which tells you plenty about how O’Neill rated him.

He left for Birmingham City in January 2006, moved on to Aston Villa, and retired in 2007 with an eye injury. He has since become one of the most recognisable voices in the British game as a pundit and columnist, and a prominent campaigner on dementia in former footballers.

Sutton won a single England cap, in 1997, and his international career effectively ended when he declined a call-up to the B team. It remains one of the great what-ifs of his generation.