The English Premier League is the biggest and best-followed club football competition in the world. Games attract thousands of fans across the length and breadth of England, with a generous helping of overseas visitors. The EPL is considered the most exciting, competitive, and best football division across Europe and beyond. The wheels are already in motion for the 2024/25 season, with traders working at the top soccer betting app offering Man City as the early favorites to retain the prize won this term.
The Premier League may be the biggest sports competition in Europe, but it’s a global affair. The top teams have owners, managers, coaches, and players from Europe, North America, Asia, Africa, and beyond. Scouts cast their net far and wide in an attempt to find the next Alan Shearer, Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Suarez, or David Beckham. Their quest takes them to stadiums in Nigeria, Australia, Spain, and other countries where football is the sport of choice with the masses.
Teams search closer to home
History shows that searching the international markets reaps rewards, but many Premier League giants also keep an eye on the best young players a little closer to home. Scottish football has provided the English top flight with some great names, successful players, and footballing icons. Some of the most talented Scots played club football in England, including many from Steve Clarke’s current squad. Who is your favorite Scot ever to play in the Premier League? Understandably, there’s no easy answer to that question.
As Scotland prepares for an assault on Euro 2024 in Germany, where they face the host nation in the opening game of Group A, you’ll notice many of the starting XI are contracted to Premier League clubs or have spent the bulk of their career south of the border. They’re chasing a dream that was already realized by some famous football-playing Scots. Keep reading as we reflect on the highest-scoring Scotsmen in EPL history.
Duncan Ferguson
Duncan Ferguson, affectionately known as “Big Dunc,” is a legendary figure in the Premier League. He is renowned for his aerial prowess and physical presence on the pitch. Born in Stirling, Scotland, Ferguson’s career in England was most notably marked by his stints with Everton and Newcastle United.
Ferguson scored 68 goals in the EPL, most of which came during his time at Everton, where he became a cult hero. His robust style and aerial ability made him a constant threat to defenders. Duncan’s hat-trick against Bolton Wanderers in December 1997 and his brace against Manchester United in February 2005 are among his standout performances.
Ferguson’s passion and commitment to his teams, especially Everton, have left a lasting legacy, making him a beloved figure among fans.
Kevin Gallacher
Kevin Gallacher, born in Clydebank, Scotland, enjoyed a successful career in the Premier League, primarily with Blackburn Rovers. A versatile forward, Gallacher was known for his speed, technical skill, and ability to score crucial goals.
Gallacher netted 56 goals in the EPL. He was an integral part of the Blackburn Rovers squad during their mid-1990s peak, including their 1994-95 Premier League title-winning season. Gallacher’s hat-trick against Wimbledon in April 1998 and his crucial goals during the 1996-97 season, which helped Blackburn avoid relegation, are particularly memorable.
Gallacher’s knack for scoring important goals and his contribution to Blackburn Rovers’ success ensures his place among the top Scottish scorers in Premier League history.
Steven Fletcher
Steven Fletcher, born in Shrewsbury but raised in Scotland, has had a prolific career in the Premier League with several clubs, including Burnley, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Sunderland, and, more recently, Sheffield Wednesday.
Fletcher has scored 53 goals in the EPL. Known for his strong heading ability and clinical finishing, Fletcher consistently found the back of the net, particularly during his time with Sunderland and Wolves. Fletcher’s double against Manchester United in December 2010 and his consistent goal-scoring record in the 2012-13 season with Sunderland, where he scored 11 league goals, highlight his quality.
Fletcher’s reliability in front of goal and his ability to perform under pressure have made him a notable figure in the Premier League.
James McFadden
James McFadden, hailing from Glasgow, Scotland, is another prolific Scottish forward who made a significant impact in the Premier League. Known for his flair and creativity, McFadden played for Everton and Birmingham City during his time in the EPL.
McFadden scored 32 goals in the EPL. He was a key player for Everton, where his technical ability and knack for scoring spectacular goals earned him a dedicated following. McFadden’s stunning goal against Charlton Athletic in March 2007 and his brace against Fulham in April 2008 are among his standout performances.
McFadden’s creativity and ability to score from distance have cemented his reputation as one of the finest Scottish talents in the Premier League era.
Gary McAllister
Gary McAllister, born in Motherwell, Scotland, is a highly respected figure in football, both for his leadership and his goal-scoring ability. McAllister’s Premier League career included successful spells with Leeds United, Coventry City, and Liverpool.
McAllister scored 28 goals in the EPL. Known for his vision, passing, and set-piece prowess, McAllister was a key player for Leeds United, where he helped the team secure a top-four finish in the early 1990s. At Liverpool, even in the latter stages of his career, McAllister’s experience and skill were invaluable, contributing to Liverpool’s cup treble in the 2000-01 season. His memorable long-range free-kick against Everton in the Merseyside Derby in April 2001 and his vital goals for Coventry City exemplify his quality.
McAllister’s consistency, leadership, and technical ability have made him a standout Scottish player in the Premier League, respected by fans and peers alike.
Euro 2024
How will England and Scotland perform at the European Championships played in Germany from June to July? The Three Lions are one of the pre-competition favorites to win the trophy, going one better than last time when Gareth Southgate’s men lost to Italy on penalties in the final at Wembley. Scotland targets a place in the knockout rounds for the first time in history.