Paul Wilson

Paul Wilson (23 November 1950 – 18 September 2017) was a professional footballer, who played as a forward for Celtic, Motherwell and Partick Thistle. His football career peaked in season 1974–75 after being moved to play as a striker when he scored 29 goals for Celtic, including two in that season's Scottish Cup final win.

Born in India, he played once for Scotland in 1975. This made him the only non-white player to represent the full Scotland team in the 20th century, and the first footballer with Asian origins to represent any of Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland at senior level. Following his mother's death, his enthusiasm for football diminished. He left the professional game at the age of 29. His Scottish father was stationed there with the Royal Air Force. His mother was Indian of Dutch-Portuguese origin. The family moved to Scotland when Wilson was one year old, living first in the Dennistoun district of Glasgow then in the town of Milngavie in the northern outskirts.

Wilson became a first team regular in August 1973. He ended season 1973–74 in Scottish football with a league winners' medal but did not feature in the squad for the 1974 Scottish Cup Final, a 3–0 win over Dundee United.

Stein moved the fast and elegant Wilson to play up front for the 1974–75 season where he outscored his friend and strike partner, Kenny Dalglish, with 29 goals. This culminated with Wilson scoring two headed goals in the 3–1 victory over Airdrie in the 1975 Scottish Cup Final. This was also the season he was selected to play for Scotland.

Later club career Next Wilson moved to Motherwell for one season. He then finished his senior career at the end of the 1980 season with Partick Thistle at the age of 29. Wilson remarked, "I nearly scored but their keeper just got his hands to my effort. I was as sick as a dog. I was so proud to get my one cap."

Andrew Watson collected three full caps in the 1880s. Wilson was the only non-white of the 727 players to be selected by the full Scotland international team during the 20th century.

Honours Celtic Scottish Football League: 1973–74, 1976–77 Scottish Cup: 1974–75, 1976–77 Scottish League Cup: 1974–75; runner-up 1973–74, 1975–76, 1976–77, 1977–78 Glasgow Cup: 1974–75 (shared) Drybrough Cup: 1974–75