 He made his debut aged barely 18 in March 1935, and appeared five times for the "Hoops" as they won the 1935–36 Scottish Division One title; however, it was his six goals in as many matches at the start of the 1936–37 season which drew attention from other clubs.He moved on to Preston North End where he would link up with several other Scottish players, including former Celtic players Hugh O'Donnell and Frank O'Donnell, and future managerial great Bill Shankly.They reached the FA Cup final of 1937 but lost the game 3–1 to Sunderland.