That Baggio tag haunted him, but Steve Fulton still had a decent playing career

Steve Fulton burst onto the scene as a teenager in the late 1980s. He was a highly rated midfielder and high hopes were expected of him.

Fulton made his debut as substitute in a 7-1 win over St Mirren at Celtic Park in 1988. He sprung to prominence though after a superb display against Hibs at Hampden in the Scottish Cup semi-final win in 1989. Indeed his performance led to him being named as a substitute in the win over Rangers in the final a month later.

It was the famous Baggio reference that Stevie is often remembered. Billy McNeill made an off the cuff reference about his worth and name checked the most expensive player in the world at the time, Roberto Baggio.

It wasn’t meant to be taking seriously, but you know how these things grow arms and legs. Did it affect Steve’s Celtic career? I don’t know, it might have, it might not. It’s something he would only know.

Steve made a total of 65 appearances scoring two goals for the club before departing for Bolton Wanderers in 1993.

He would play for a further decade at the top level mostly in Scotland with Falkirk and Hearts. It was with the Gorgie club he had his most successful spell. Especially the 1997-98 season when Hearts finished third and won the Scottish Cup, indeed Steve was the skipper that day as the Edinburgh side won the trophy for the first time in 40 years!

He didn’t exactly become a superstar but Steve Fulton had a decent career.