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Fullname: David Marshall
Born: 5 March 1985
Birthplace: Glasgow
Signed: 1 Aug 2000
Left: 4 July 2007
Position: Goalkeeper
Debut: Celtic 3-0 St Johnstone, Scottish Cup, 23 Feb 2003
Internationals: Scotland
International Caps: 2 Caps (whilst with Celtic) [TBC at end of career]
International Shut-outs: [TBC]

Summary

Played possibly the greatest performance of his life against Barcelona to give the greatest goalkeeping display ever for Celtic in the UEFA Cup in 2004, 2004-03-25: Barcelona 0-0 Celtic, UEFA Cup

Left Celtic July 2007 [BBC]

Biog

Great goalkeepers are hard to find, and Celtic have suffered more than most over the years. With the possible exception of Paddy Bonner in his early years (and many still debate about his ability) few pre-Artur Boruc can really honestly recall Celtic having a great goalie since Ronnie Simpson's departure. We had Shay Given on the books but Lou Macari turned him away (nice one!).

Anyhow, back on topic, this is what Marshall had to step into, and literally so. During the first game of the two legs in the UEFA cup v Barcelona in 2004, the then regular goalkeeper (Rab Douglas) ended up being wrongly sent off due to a stramash in the tunnel at half-time, and into his place David Marshall had to step in (what a big game to begin with!!!!). The whole thing was a blessing, with young David even saving wonderfully a penalty from none other than the best player in the world (Ronaldinho), and he kept a clean sheet.

That was 45mins, and 90mins more at least awaited at the Nou Camp with various commentators expecting Barca to storm through, BUT young David gave what can only be described as a phenomenal performance. He saved shots from the feet of the opposition players, made every dive possibly fearlessly for the ball and so on. He was just incrediblem and rightly he was given a royal round of applause when he made it back to the dressing room. Along with John Kennedy, they were the toast of the Celtic support. The review of the game and the quotes say it all (Link).

Amazingly, prior to the Barcelona games his only senior games were for Celtic against St Johnstone (sub in Scottish Cup game) and against Partick Thistle (league cup)!

It was though a lot to live up to, and the early promise did continue with some fine performances but too many fickle Celtic supporters weren’t finding it easy to give him the necessary time to develop, and with a shoddy defence in front of him, his lack of experience didn’t give him the time to mature and become the player he could be. A change of managers along with MoN’s last difficult season meant that Marshall didn’t have stability at the club to help him out.

Still he had many good games but a few poor games for Scotland and then some mixed games for Celtic (culminating in the Artemdia drubbing) shattered his confidence. Most other players would have been able to have a short break and then be able to come back but we had bought Artur Boruc who was too difficult to displace for Marshall, and a loan move to Norwich led on to a full transfer.

We had high hopes for Marshall at the club for the long-term, but wasn't to be. He is forever immortalised from those UEFA cup games v Barcelona from 2004, and many others would be very happy with that, and we'll remember him for those matches very fondly.

We wish him all the best .

Playing Career

Club	From	To	Fee	League		Scottish/FA Cup		League cup		Other
Cardiff	01/07/2009		Free	No appearance data available
Norwich	04/07/2007	01/07/2009	£750,000	92 (0)	0	4 (0)	0	4 (0)	0	0 (0)	0
Norwich	17/01/2007	07/05/2007	Loan	2 (0)	0	3 (0)	0	0 (0)	0	0 (0)	0
Celtic	01/08/2000	04/07/2007	Youth	34 (1)	0	3 (1)	0	2 (0)	0	8 (1)	0
Totals			£750,000	128 (1)	0	10 (1)	0	6 (0)	0	8 (1)	0

Honours with Celtic

Scottish Premier League Winner: 1

• 2003-04

Scottish Cup Winner: 2

• 2004, 2005

Most Memorable Game

• Barcelona 0 Celtic 0, UEFA Cup (2004)
  

Pictures

• David Marshall Pics