Top five best Scottish players in ISL history

Scotland players have always graced ISL with their presence.

The Indian Super League has witnessed some world-class players of Scottish origin playing for a variety of teams. More significantly, iconic attackers like Iain Hume and Jason Cummings are of Scottish descent despite pledging their national allegiance to other countries.

Some of Scotland’s finest have emulated these icons’ prowess and made a mark in the ISL as well. The list is not limited to offensive players and has some participants that will take fans down memory lane. A few names might be household but along with the rest here are the top five Scottish players in ISL history. 

5. Jamie McAllister

The versatile Scottish defender was brought into a nascent Kerala Blasters side for the team to profit from his truckload of experience playing for Scottish league teams. He played in the Tuskers’ first-ever ISL season but managed only six appearances at left-back as they went all the way to the final.

McAllister, however, did not feature in the final, in which the Blasters lost to Atletico de Kolkata by a slender margin. The reason was purely disciplinary, as the defender was dismissed after a second yellow card in the away leg of their semifinals against Chennaiyin FC. 

4. Daniel Fox

Another natural left-back, Daniel Fox played more recently with East Bengal FC in the ISL 2020-21 season. The Scotsman was however fielded in a centre-back role and given the captain’s armband during his short tenure at the club.

Fox had a helter-skelter season with his side as the Torchbearers finished 9th in their debut ISL campaign. The defender scored a goal and got two of his three assists in the 6-5 loss to Odisha FC.

Fox helped his side keep a clean sheet, and won 48 duels with five yellows and one red in 16 appearances meant the club frequently paid the price for his fiery temperament. The Red and Gold Brigade decided to part ways with the Scottish player after only a season at the club.  

ALSO READ:

• Top five Australian players in ISL history
• Who are the longest serving foreigners in ISL history
• Top 10 African players in ISL history
• Top 10 English players in ISL history

3. Stephen Pearson

Stephen Pearson also played in the first season of the Indian Super League. The Scottish central midfielder played for Kerala Blasters in ISL 2014-15 and then ATK in 2016-17.

Pearson notched a solitary goal for the Tuskers in his first ISL season but returned with ATK and slightly bettered that tally with two. The midfielder’s creative flair, however, was slept on as he created a whopping 30 key chances in 28 appearances in the league but unfortunately got no assists. He last played professional football in 2017 and has since hung up his boots.

2. Connor Shields

Chennaiyin FC’s Scottish import was a hit upfront for the Marina Machans during the 2023-24. Although his output may look to be low with only three goals and two assists in 21 appearances, it was his playstyle that was more promising.

Indian Super League teams have raised the bar with various sides playing more intense attacking football and using modern tactics like central blocks and zonal marking.

Shields is a versatile player and has shown promise in deconstructing all types of teams depending on what his side needs. Be it pace and direct dribbling down the wings or running into the box to finish a move, the Scottish striker has much more to offer in his upcoming campaign with the Marina Machans.  

1. Greg Stewart

Probably the most influential and creative Scottish player in ISL history, Greg Stewart awed fans in his debut season. The hybrid attacker is not only clinical with his passing dribbling and shooting but adds a touch of almost Brazilian Samba to his game with his showboating.

Stewart bagged 11 goals and 10 assists with Jamshedpur FC as he led them to the League Winners’ Shield and got himself the ISL Hero of the League award in 2021-22 season. After banging in screamer free-kicks and open-play worldies, the former Rangers’ forward moved to Mumbai City FC. There he continued his bountiful spell almost effortlessly, managing eight goals and eight assists.

After a short stint at Kilmarnock FC, the forward is back in the ISL with Mohun Bagan Super Giant this time and will surely be a treat to the Mariners’ eyes.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.