Welsh footballer and former Celtic fullback, Adam Matthews, turns 28 today. The birthday bhoy is currently enjoying his football at Charlton Athletic after signing a one year deal with the Addicks after leaving Sunderland at the end of his contract last season.
Matthews signed a pre contract with Celtic in February 2011 after his contract with Cardiff City ran into it’s last six months. He was an attacking full back that had pace and skill and loved getting up and down the right flank. He was equally adept at playing both right and left back.
Matthews was given the task to take over the hugely popular Andrea’s Hinkel’s position and he made his debut in a 1-0 win over Aberdeen in August that year.
The following month he made his European debut in the Europa League in a 2-0 loss to Atletico Madrid.
Matthews never appeared in the Champions League until the following season where he made his debut against HJK Helsinki at Celtic Park. Matthews scored his first goal for the Hoops against Arbroath in a Scottish Cup replay against Arbroath in December 2012.
Matthews went on to enjoy a fruitful career at Celtic making 101 appearances for the Hoops over three and a half seasons.
Matthews had a trophy laden career at Paradise where he won four league titles, a Scottish Cup and a League Cup. He eventually left Celtic Park in 2015 to sign for Sunderland ending a very successful spell in his club career. Matthews currently has 14 Welsh caps to his name.