A 122-YEAR-OLD Scotland football jersey worn by a Hibs star in the only match when the national team wore black and white hoops has fetched £5,000 at auction.
The unique long sleeved stripy kit was worn by Hibernian’s inside left Willie McCartney on his debut for Scotland against Ireland in Belfast on 1 March 1902.
McCartney was the youngest player in the team at just 22 years old and helped Scotland to a resounding 5-1 victory on their way to winning the British Home Championship.
The only match in which Scotland wore black and white stripes, it is believed officials used Queen’s Park FC kit. It was adapted for the national team with a bright yellow embroidered cloth badge with red lion rampant and lettering “S V I, 1902”.
The change from the team’s traditional blue was required because the Irish also wore blue at that time.
Still in remarkable condition after 122 years, the jersey went under the hammer at Graham Budd Auctions in Glasgow, where it was sold to a commission bidder for £5000 amid competition from rival collectors in the auction room, online and on the phone.
Auctioneer David Convery, head of sporting memorabilia, said: “This extremely rare shirt was worn by Willie McCartney in his international debut and only full international appearance for Scotland.
“In the match, at Grosvenor Park in Belfast, Scotland defeated Ireland 5-1, and it was the only ever time they wore the black and white.
“It’s a Queen’s Park style jersey with a Scotland badge. It may have been old Queen’s Park stock, which they’ve decided to use as a Scotland away strip in Belfast.
“Over 120 years later, it remains a true one off.”
McCartney, born in Newmilns, Ayrshire, turned professional in 1898 and turned out for Rutherglen Glencairn and Ayr before signing for Hibernian in 1899.
McCartney starred in one of Hibs’ greatest ever sides.
He helped the club reach the 1902 Scottish Cup final against Celtic but missed out on the historic victory due to a broken leg. He returned to play a pivotal role as Hibs won their first ever League Championship in 1902-03.
He was later described as “the best forward Hibs had had”.
McCartney had further spells with Manchester United and West Ham United before returning to Scotland in 1906 to play for Clyde.
Queen’s Park FC and the Scotland national team have historic links. Formed in 1867, Queen’s Park was the first association football club in Scotland, and largely responsible for popularising the national sport.
The club organised the first international match ever played, between Scotland and England in 1872, providing the entire Scottish team — months before the Scottish Football Association was formed.
However, there were no Queen’s Park FC players in the 1902 match against Ireland, as the team was filled with stars from Rangers, Hearts, Hibernian and Celtic.
William McCartney Black and White Scotland v Ireland jersey
