WHO’S THE DADDIES?
These two Clyde kids have a pair of Scottish football legends for fathers
THEY are the sons of famous football fathers. But Chris McStay and Ray Grant are determined to become a success in their own right.
They face a tough job following in the footsteps of Celtic legends Paul McStay and Peter Grant.
McStay Snr will go down in history as one of the greatest players at Parkhead and also earned 76 Scotland caps in his glittering career.
For most of his playing days he shared a Hoops midfield with cult hero Grant and now fate has pitched their sons together at Clyde.
Chris and Ray, both 21, have signed short-term deals with the Bully Wee until the end of the season.
Despite their Celtic connection the duo had never met before they pitched up at Broadwood. And both players insist they are inspired by their family name – not daunted by it.
McStay, who left semi-pro Australian side Sutherland Sharks at the end of last year, said: “You have to make the most of your own career and you can only do the best you can.
“My dad played at a very high level and had a very successful career and I can only hope to do the same.
“I only look at it as a positive. People talk about the pressures involved in having a famous footballer dad. But I’ve never felt the pressure because you are there to make your own name and play your own game.”
Three other members of the family dynasty have turned out for the Hoops, including uncle Willie, and Chris said: “The McStay name is well known throughout Celtic’s history and it’s a big name to live up to.
“I’m proud of my name and my dad’s achievements. He was something else as a player.
“I speak to my dad all the time as family is everything to me. He would never lie to me. You need honesty in football and he knows his football.
“Dad is a great coach and somebody I always go to for advice. I’m excited to see how far I can go.”
Grant’s family also have football in their blood with older brother Peter starring for Falkirk.
Ray came through the academy at Norwich and after a loan spell at Dagenham and Redbridge he now finds himself at Clyde.
His old man has been liked with a return to the game as assistant to Scotland boss Alex McLeish.
Ray admits his dad can be on his case at times but hopes his honest advice can help him make the grade.
Grant Jr said: “It’s great my dad had such a fine career but I want to make my own mark in football.
“I look upon what my dad did at Celtic as something I can use to inspire me and not hinder my progress.
“I want to try to achieve what my dad did. I’m in constant contact with him and he would always rely on me telling the truth after games. I was only kidding myself if I wasn’t honest with him and vice versa.
“My dad can be a harsh critic but he knows his stuff and why wouldn’t I ask for his advice? “He just tells me what I could do better but he has never once told me I’m hopeless!
“If I can kick on and achieve things my dad did in his career then so be it.”
The arrival of McStay and Grant has led to a resurgence in form for Danny Lennon’s Clyde.
They have won their last five league matches and with 13 games to go sit 12 points off a League Two promotion play-off spot. And the pair are loving every minute of it.
McStay said: “There is always the next level to chase whether it’s with Clyde or someone else. At the moment I’m very happy where I am. Clyde is class. Danny has enjoyed a great career as a footballer and a manager.
“We’re playing some good football and a lot of people will have written off Clyde’s chances of reaching the play-offs.
“But we’ll keep chasing that goal and keep the run going. It’s not beyond the realms of possibility.”
Grant added: “I’m absolutely loving it at Clyde. The last few months were difficult at Norwich. After I left them in the summer my main goal was to go out and play games.
“Since I’ve come up it’s been brilliant. This is the most I have enjoyed my football in the last four years.
“I believed in myself and worked hard enough to make my debut for Norwich’s first team. I feel I deserved it and I will always owe Alex Neil for that.
“I’m proud of the fact I played for Norwich as the amount of competition is fierce in England.
“I was at Norwich for 10 years and it fills me with a great sense of pride because I worked for it and it wasn’t handed to me.
“Alex once told me I’d have a career in the game because of the way I went about my business.
“You could have 10 good games and two bad ones and your club could go out and sign a player for £5million. That’s the way it is in England.
“Since I’ve signed for Clyde we’ve won three out of three games and I’m thoroughly enjoying life.
“Danny told me I would be here as long as I want to be and that has given me great confidence.”
However, the burning question remains. Will we ever see a McStay or a Grant in the Hoops again?
McStay said: “It has been my dream since I was a wee boy. You have to take it step by step and day by day.
“If it puts me in a Hoops shirt I would be over the moon.”
Grant added: “The ultimate dream for me is to play at the highest level I possibly can.”
I look upon what my dad did at Celtic as something I can use to inspire me RAY GRANT