Welcome to Magic Numbers! This is a new weekly feature where we look back at some of the iconic players and cult heroes to wear many different kit numbers over the years.
We kick off the series with the No 7...
Jimmy Johnstone (Celtic)
‘Jinky’ is regarded as one of the greatest Scottish footballers of all time. The winger played over 400 games for Celtic, scoring over 100 goals in the process. He was named as the Greatest Ever Celt in 2002 and was an integral part of the club’s European Cup-winning Lisbon Lions team of 1967.
Henrik Larsson (Celtic)
The Swedish hitman arrived in Scotland as a relatively unknown quantity but left as a legend. The super Swede bagged himself 244 goals for the Hoops in all competitions and was the main man for Celtic during Martin O’Neill’s successful tenure as manager, when they reached the 2003 UEFA Cup final, only to lose 3-2 to FC Porto in extra time.
Shota Arveladze (Rangers)
The Georgian striker joined Rangers in 2001 and enjoyed a successful four-year spell with the Ibrox club, scoring over 40 goals in just under a century of league appearances. Arveladze shone in a Rangers team that was full of talent, winning the domestic treble in the 2002/03 season as well as a league and cup double in 2004/05.
Gordon Strachan (Aberdeen)
Many younger fans might only recognise him as the current manager of the Scottish national team, however Strachan was an extremely talented footballer in his playing days. Primarily a a right-sided midfielder, he donned the Dons’ number 7 shirt during the most successful period in the club’s history when they won numerous domestic trophies as well as the European Cup Winners’ Cup and the European Super Cup under the guidance of Alex Ferguson.
Steven Naismith (Kilmarnock)
Now with Norwich City, the Scottish international began his career at Rugby Park and became an instant fans’ favourite. After starting his Kilmarnock career wearing the number 33, Naismith earned his No 7 shirt by making himself one of the top-flight’s most formidable forwards during the mid-2000s. He played over 100 games for Killie before being signed by Rangers in 2007.
