William McStay was a Scottish international footballer who played as a fullback.
Club career
McStay began his senior career when he joined Celtic from Larkhall Thistle in 1912, although he was immediately loaned to Ayr United, spending the following four seasons with the Somerset Park club.Having helped Celtic to the Scottish Football League title in 1917, He had further spells away from Celtic Park during the latter years of the First World War, assisting local sides Distillery and Belfast Celtic while conscripted to the North Irish Horse unit, before re-establishing himself in the Celtic first team which won the title again 1919 and 1922. McStay was suspended by Celtic following a wages dispute in the aftermath of their 1923 Scottish Cup Final victory, and he spent the summer in the United States; he played one game with New York Field Club in the American Soccer League. He was appointed captain of Celtic upon his return to the club later that year, taking over from William Cringan, and held the role for six years. During this time he won one further League Championship and two more Scottish Cups. Taking all cups into account, he played in 470 matches for the club. In 1929 he was sold to Hearts for £250, and retired from playing in 1930. He was later manager of Glentoran for a period in the mid-1930s.
International career
McStay earned his first selection for the Scottish national side in 1921. He made his debut in a 2–1 defeat of Wales at Pittodrie and also played in the match against Irelandtwo weeks later. He was not selected again until 1925 but would eventually win a total of 13 caps for his country. McStay also appeared 10 times for the Scottish League XI.
McStay was succeeded as Celtic captain by his brother Jimmy McStay in 1929, and the siblings played 264 competitive matches together in the team's defensive line, as well as one Scottish League XI match in 1926. In addition to his brother, McStay has several family footballing connections: his great-nephews Paul and Willie also played for Celtic in the 1980s and 1990s, their younger brotherRaymond also played professionally, their father John was a scout for the club and their cousin Jock McStay was also a professional in the same era.
