SCOTLAND HAS GREAT CENTRE FORWARD.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18057, 18 January 1927, Page 4

SCOTLAND HAS GREAT CENTRE FORWARD.

£6OOO WAS PAID ON HIS TRANSFER TO NEWCASTLE UNITED. (Special to the “ Star.”) LONDON, December 0. The most-talked-of Association footballer at the present time is Hugh Gallacher. Scotland's centre forward, and the leader of the Newcastle United front line. Mis side are at present at the top of the league, and be has done more than anyone else to promote their success. Gallacher stands only sft sin. but he is stockily made, and as hard as nails; otherwise he could not hope to hold his own in the hurly-burly of the game. Feared by all his opponents, he never goes on to the field without knowing that he will be shadowed in every movement. Under these conditions he is compelled to take a lot of hard knocks, but he accepts them as part of the game, and, moreover, succeeds in a wonderful way in escaping from his “policemen," and shooting with deadly effect with both feet. Gallacher is a wonderful footballer with great natural skill. Like most Scottish boys, he began to play at school, and he cannot be said to have served the usual apprenticeship to the game. Indeed,, when he began to compete .with professionals he was at home amongst them at once. He came into prominence with the Airdrieonians, and. when a successor was required for Wilson to lead the Scottish forwards in international matches, he was an immediate selection. 11 is record in these games has been remarkable. He has taken part in eight, has not been on the losing side once, and he has scored nine goals. On being transferred to Newcastle United for £6OOO it vFhs declared that he was the best centre forward the club had had since the. days of R. S. M’Coll, and this is probably true, though Albert Shepherd was a great leader. Newcastle United have always favoured Scottish players. At the present time there are seldom fewer than six in the team.