AI Names and Ranks the 19 Greatest Scottish Players in Football History

Scotland may not be the largest or most populous country in the world, but it is nonetheless the birthplace of some of the greatest legends of British and world football.

A country with an exceptional history, it will forever remain the first to have seen its national team play in an official international match – against England on 30th November 1872. These colours have since been proudly worn by the many talented players who have one day had the opportunity to defend them.

GIVEMESPORT wanted to find out which of them had left the greatest legacy in the annals of national football, with the various clubs through which they may have passed, as with the Tartan Army. Artificial intelligence helped provide an objective answer through ChatGPT.

19

Gordon Strachan

Career Span: 1971-1997

• Clubs: Dundee United, Aberdeen FC, Manchester United, Leeds United, Coventry City
• Scotland caps: 50

What ChatGPT says: “A dynamic and hard-working midfielder, Strachan had successful club stints with Aberdeen, Manchester United, and Leeds United. He was known for his leadership and precise passing, as well as being a key figure for Scotland in international football.”

A right midfielder with almost 700 career appearances to his name, Gordon Strachan has enjoyed a successful career, both individually and as a team. Named SFWA Footballer of the Year in 1980 and FWA Footballer of the Year in 1991, he also finished fourth in the 1983 Ballon d’Or awards. It was recognition of an exceptional season in which he helped Aberdeen win the Scottish Cup, the European Cup Winners’ Cup and the European Super Cup.

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18

Charlie Nicholas

Career Span: 1979-1996

• Clubs: Celtic, Arsenal, Aberdeen FC, Clyde FC
• Scotland caps: 20

What ChatGPT says: “A talented forward with a natural eye for goal, Nicholas had successful stints with Celtic, Arsenal, and other clubs. His flair and finishing ability earned him a reputation as one of Scotland’s finest attackers of his era.”

A pure product of the Celtic academy, Charlie Nicholas was, at the start of his career, considered as one of the most exciting young talents in British football. Renowned for his goalscoring ability, he was particularly outstanding during the 1982/83 season, in which he finished with 29 goals to his name and a third-place finish in the European Golden Boot competition.

17

Andrew Robertson

Career Span: 2012-Present

• Clubs: Queen’s Park Rangers, Dundee United, Hull City, Liverpool FC
• Scotland caps: 79

What ChatGPT says: “A modern-day legend, Robertson has achieved incredible success with Liverpool, winning the Premier League, Champions League, and other major trophies. His pace, crossing ability, and defensive work rate have made him one of the best left-backs in the world.”

A stalwart of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, Andrew Robertson has, over the years, established himself as one of the best left-backs not only in the Premier League, but in the world. Now 30, he has 80 caps for Scotland, where he wears the captain’s armband. A player whose place in the Hall of Fame already seems reserved for when he decides to hang up his boots.

16

Paul Lambert

Career Span: 1986-2006

• Clubs: Saint Mirren, Motherwell FC, Borussia Dortmund, Celtic FC, Livingston FC
• Scotland caps: 40

What ChatGPT says: “A hardworking and intelligent midfielder, Lambert played for Borussia Dortmund and Celtic. He was integral to Dortmund’s 1997 Champions League win and was a key figure in Celtic’s success under Martin O’Neill.”

Can Paul Lambert be described as a one-season wonder? For Borussia Dortmund fans, there’s no doubt about it – despite the fact that he actually played for the club for a year and a half. Fundamental in the German club’s quest for the 1996/97 Champions League, the Scot, who spent almost his entire career in his homeland (St Mirren, Motherwell, Celtic, Livingston), is now remembered as a true legend.

15

Frank McAvennie

Career Span: 1981-1995

• Clubs: Saint Mirren, West Ham United, Celtic, Aston Villa, Cliftonville FC, South China AA, Swindon Town, Falkirk FC
• Scotland caps: 5

What ChatGPT says: “McAvennie was an explosive forward with great finishing ability. His time at Celtic was especially memorable, as he helped lead them to league titles with his goalscoring exploits.”

If you’re wondering what the football playboy of the 80s looks like, take a look at the life of Frank McAvennie. The epitome of the stereotype. A handsome man with a blond mane, married to a model and a love of champagne, the striker often made the front pages of the British tabloids. But to reduce him to this role would be to pay scant tribute to the talented player he was and the man everyone loved. A player who left an indelible impression wherever he went.

14

Davie Cooper

Career Span: 1974-1995

• Clubs: Clydebank FC, Rangers, Motherwell FC
• Scotland caps: 22

What ChatGPT says: “Known for his dribbling and crossing ability, Cooper was a star for Rangers in the 1980s. He played a pivotal role in their domestic success during that period.”

The fact that Ruud Gullit included David Cooper in his all-time XI says a lot about the Scot’s qualities as a player. So much so that the left-footed winger could easily feature in the best teams in the history of several of the clubs he played for, from Rangers to Motherwell to Clydebank. A great name in Scottish football that the national football authorities have not forgotten to include in their Hall of Fame.

13

Jackie McNamara

Career Span: 1991-2011

• Clubs: Dunfermline Athletic FC, Celtic, Wolves, Aberdeen, Falkirk, Partick Thistle
• Scotland caps: 33

What ChatGPT says “McNamara was a versatile and reliable full-back with Celtic. Known for his consistency, he enjoyed great success domestically and was an important figure in Scotland’s international campaigns.”

Best known for the ten years he spent at Celtic (319 games, 15 goals), Jackie McNamara Jr – for his father was of the same name – made a major contribution to the rebirth of a club that had fallen on hard times. A player who also played an important role in the Scottish national team, where he wore the colours 33 times and had the honour of wearing the captain’s armband in 2004.

12

Gary McAllister

Career Span: 1981-2003

• Clubs: Motherwell, Leicester City, Leeds United, Coventry City, Liverpool
• Scotland caps: 57

What ChatGPT says: “A highly skilled midfielder, McAllister enjoyed a successful career with Leeds United, Coventry, and Liverpool. His leadership and creativity were key to his clubs’ successes, particularly at Liverpool.”

Unlike most of his peers, Gary McAllister did not enjoy a long career in his homeland. After breaking into the big time at Motherwell, he went on to build his career across England, playing for Leicester, Leeds United, Coventry City and Liverpool – where he won five trophies between 2000 and 2001. A player once named by Eric Cantona as his best-ever teammate, he also represented Scotland on 59 occasions and captained the national side for no fewer than four years.

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11

Jim Baxter

Career Span: 1957-1970

• Clubs: Raith Rovers, Rangers, Sunderland, Nottingham Forest
• Scotland caps: 34

What ChatGPT says: “A talented midfielder known for his flair and passing ability, Baxter was a key figure for Rangers and Scotland. His performances at the 1967 British Home Championship and other international fixtures remain legendary.”

A Rangers legend with whom he won no fewer than 10 trophies between 1960 and 1965, Jim Baxter is now regarded as one of the greatest Scottish players of all time. A view shared by the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, who described Baxter as ‘arguably the greatest player ever to play Scottish football’ and ‘the greatest player I’ve ever played with’. Quite an accolade.

10

Steve Archibald

Career Span: 1974-1996

• Clubs: East Stirlingshire, Clyde FC, Aberdeen, Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelone, Blackburn Rovers, Hibernian FC, Espanyol, Saint Mirren, Reading FC, Ayr United, Fulham, East Fife, Home Farm
• Scotland caps: 27

What ChatGPT says: “A highly talented forward, Archibald enjoyed stints with Barcelona, Tottenham Hotspur, and Aberdeen. He was known for his creativity, finishing, and adaptability.”

Considered one of the best British players to have played in La Liga, where he played for the two rival clubs from the city of Barcelona, Steve Archibald is particularly renowned for his exploits in the colours of Aberdeen and Tottenham. With Tottenham, he won two FA Cups, the UEFA Cup and the Charity Shield, as well as finishing as top scorer in English football’s top flight at the end of the 1980/81 season. His performances also earned him a place at the 1982 and 1986 World Cups.

9

Tommy Burns

Career Span: 1975-1994

• Clubs: Celtic, Kilmarnock
• Scotland caps: 8

What ChatGPT says: “A gifted playmaker, Burns was an iconic figure at Celtic. He played with skill, heart, and determination and enjoyed great success, including multiple league titles.”

An iconic figure at Celtic, with whom he fell in love as a young boy, Tommy Burns has worn the club’s colours both as a player and as a coach. It was a fruitful partnership that saw the midfielder win multiple titles with the Glasgow club and establish himself as a legend. These qualities have also benefited the Kilmarnock club, which he represented for the last five years of his glorious career.

8

Willie Miller

Career Span: 1973-1990

• Clubs: Aberdeen, Peterhead FC
• Scotland caps: 65

What ChatGPT says: “Miller was a stalwart for Aberdeen, helping them win domestic titles and the European Cup Winners’ Cup under the management of Alex Ferguson. He was a commanding presence in defense.”

A striker turned defender on the advice of his coach Teddy Scott, Willie Miller could not have hoped to make the most of this career choice. Now a permanent fixture at Aberdeen, where he also wore the captain’s armband, the Glasgow native was one of the pillars of the team’s conquest of numerous titles in the early 1980s. A club he spent his entire career with, and even coached after hanging up his boots.

7

Robert Snodgrass

Career Span: 2004-2023

• Clubs: Livingston, Stirling Albion, Leeds United, Norwich City, Hull City, West Ham United, Aston Villa, West Bromwich Albion, Luton Town, Heart of Midlothian
• Scotland caps: 28

What ChatGPT says: “Known for his skillful play, vision, and ability to deliver dangerous crosses, Snodgrass enjoyed a successful Premier League career, notably with Hull City and West Ham United.”

A true globetrotter on the British footballing scene, Robert Snodgrass has particularly distinguished himself through his adventures with Leeds United, where he made a name for himself thanks to his important goals and promotion to the Championship in 2010, Hull City and West Ham United. A player who left his mark on the memories of the fans of the various clubs he played for, but also on those of the Scots, he represented the national team on 28 occasions (scoring seven goals).

6

Alan Hansen

Career Span: 1973-1991

• Clubs: Sauchie Juniors, Partick Thistle, Liverpool
• Scotland caps: 26

What ChatGPT says: “One of the finest central defenders of his era, Hansen was a key part of Liverpool’s dominance in the 1980s, winning multiple league titles and European Cups. His leadership and reading of the game were exceptional.”

Considered one of the greatest Scottish defenders – and players in general – of all time, Alan Hansen was one of the key figures in the great Liverpool of the 1980s. Winner of eight English championships, three Champions League titles and two FA Cups, his glittering career was honoured by an induction into both the Scottish Football Hall of Fame and the English Football Hall of Fame.

5

Graeme Souness

Career Span: 1970-1991

• Clubs: Tottenham Hotspur, Montreal Olympic, Middlesbrough, West Adelaide, Liverpool, Sampdoria, Rangers
• Scotland caps: 54

What ChatGPT says: “A dynamic and influential midfielder, Souness had successful stints at Liverpool and Rangers. He helped bring European success to both clubs and was a pivotal figure in the 1980s”

There is very little to doubt that Graeme Souness experienced the peak of his career between the end of the 70s and the beginning of the 80s. A period during which the Liverpool midfielder excelled to help the English club establish itself as the dominant force in English, British and European football. It was the culmination of a rich career that also included spells at Middlesbrough, Sampdoria and Rangers.

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4

Billy Bremer

Career Span: 1959-1981

• Clubs: Leeds United, Hull City, Doncaster Rovers
• Scotland caps: 54

What ChatGPT says: “A fearless midfielder for Leeds United, Bremner was the epitome of leadership and tenacity. He was key in Leeds’ successes in the 1960s and 1970s, winning several league titles and cups.”

Although he was only 5ft5in tall, Billy Bremer is regarded as one of the greatest British midfielders in the history of football. An iconic player for Leeds in the 60s and 70s, the Stirling native played for the club on more than 580 occasions and has been named its greatest-ever player. A well-deserved accolade for a player whose statue stands on the forecourt of Ellan Road.

3

Jimmy Johnstone

Career Span: 1961-1979

• Clubs: Celtic, San Jose Earthquakes, Sheffield United, Dundee, Shelbourne, Elgin City
• Scotland caps: 23

What ChatGPT says: “Known for his dazzling dribbling and flair, Johnstone was one of Celtic’s greatest players, winning numerous league titles, European Cups, and other domestic trophies. His skill was admired by fans and opponents alike.”

Jimmy Johnstone is widely regarded as one of the greatest Scottish wingers of all time. Nicknamed ‘Jinky’ for his speed and refined style of play, the Celtic legend was one of the architects of the Hoops’ European title triumph in 1967 and no fewer than nine Scottish league titles. A player of such talent that he even finished third in the Ballon d’Or awards in 1967.

2

Denis Law

Career Span: 1956-1974

• Clubs: Huddersfield Town, Manchester City, Torino, Manchester United
• Scotland caps: 55

What ChatGPT says: “A key figure for both Manchester United and the Scottish national team, Law was a clinical striker who won the Ballon d’Or in 1964. His goal-scoring exploits helped his clubs win league titles and European trophies.”

The tributes paid in the wake of Denis Law’s death are, to say the least, indicative of what the Scot represented. A striker of boundless talent, the right-hander remains the third-highest scorer in Manchester United’s history (237 goals in 404 games), behind Wayne Rooney and Bobby Charlton. His exceptional career was crowned with a Ballon d’Or award in 1964, making him the only Scotsman to have won the famous accolade.

1

Kenny Dalglish

Career Span: 1969-1990

• Clubs: Celtic, Liverpool
• Scotland caps: 102

What ChatGPT says: “Widely considered Scotland’s greatest player, Dalglish had a legendary career at Celtic and Liverpool. His skill, vision, and ability to score goals were unrivaled. He won numerous league titles, European cups, and domestic trophies.”

Not everyone can become a ‘Sir’. But Kenny Dalglish has earned it. A versatile striker who left his mark on the 70s and 80s, the Scot remains the personification of what the term ‘legend’ implies. A player adored by Celtic, Liverpool and Tartan Army fans alike, his exploits are so numerous that he was voted 22nd best player of the 20th century at the World Soccer Awards.

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All statistics correct as of 28-01-2025.