Mark Burchill – Celtic Glasgow (11/04/1999)

Here is an exceptionally rare collector's item, from the golden age of Scottish football in Europe. This match-worn jersey was donned by the lively international striker Mark Burchill during the electric second-leg match of the UEFA Cup 2nd round between Celtic Glasgow and Olympique Lyonnais.

Match Context: The Hell of Celtic Park Shakes Lyon

Having lost the first leg in France (1-0), John Barnes' Celtic hosted OL in an incandescent atmosphere. Driven by a crowd in a frenzy, the Bhoys were nevertheless surprised in the 17th minute by Lyon's efficiency, when French striker Tony Vairelles silenced the stadium by opening the scoring with a superb shot (0-1). Far from giving up, the Scots threw all their energy into the battle to turn the tide. In the second half, the match heated up with the expulsion of Lyon goalkeeper Grégory Coupet. Carried by a numerical advantage and buzzing stands, the Scots besieged the Lyon camp and launched furious attacks in the final moments. Despite this heroic surge, OL held on and narrowly won, sealing the elimination of the home team with honors.

Mark Burchill: The Super Sub and Great Hope of the Bhoys

A striker with phenomenal top speed and a keen sense of goal, the young Mark Burchill was considered at that time to be the great prodigy and the designated dynamic force of the Glasgow attack. Coming on in the second half to bring all his passion, vivacity, and speed, he rattled the Lyon defense, making numerous incisive runs to try and snatch an equalizer against the Lyon block. Worn on this warm autumn evening in one of the most mythical atmospheres in world football, his official jersey features all the specific professional markings of the era. A legendary and impossible-to-find collector's item.