Ross Wallace

Celtic

Born in Dundee, Wallace started his career with Celtic, signing for the club in May 2003 on a four-year deal. A pacy left winger, Wallace made only a handful of first-team appearances in his first year, before scoring his first goal for Celtic in a 5–0 win over Dunfermline on 8 November 2003. Whilst clearly a skilful player, Wallace made only a few more first team appearances that season, as Alan Thompson remained the first-choice wide-left player at Celtic. Wallace did however pick up his first silverware at the end of the season, coming on as a second-half substitute for Stephen Pearson in Celtic's 3–1 win over Dunfermline in the 2004 Scottish Cup Final.

The following season (2004–05) saw Wallace play more games for Celtic, including three appearances as a substitute in the Champions League. However he made little impact in either his league or European appearances. Wallace did however score a hat-trick in an 8–1 rout of Falkirk in a Scottish League Cup tie in September 2004. That performance earned him public praise from his manager, Martin O'Neill. Alan Thompson also said that Wallace was likely to succeed him in the future at left midfield.

With the arrival of new manager Gordon Strachan at the start of season 2005–06, Wallace found himself on the sidelines for the first few months. However, in late 2005, Strachan began to play Wallace at left-back in place of Mo Camara. This was a strange selection given Wallace's slight build and inexperience of playing in a defensive role. Strachan persisted with this team selection for several weeks to the bemusement of fans who could clearly see Wallace's lack of aptitude for playing in defence. Wallace's own goal in the New Year game against Hearts at Tynecastle (Celtic still won 3–2) highlighted his lack of positional awareness in playing in defence. Towards the end of the season, new signing Mark Wilson replaced him at left back even though it was not his natural position (Wilson is a right back). Wallace did, however, play the whole of the 2006 Scottish League Cup Final at left back because Wilson was cup-tied, after having played in the competition for Dundee United.

Wallace made two more appearances for Celtic at the start of season 2006–07. However, he was clearly no longer part of the plans of the Celtic management and was sold to Sunderland in August 2006 in a deal including team-mate Stanislav Varga for a combined fee of up to £1,100,000.

Sunderland

Despite having a trial at Birmingham City, He joined Sunderland from Celtic on 31 August 2006 along with teammate Stanislav Varga. He made his first team debut on 9 September against Derby County and scored the winner in a 2–1 win. His arrival on Wearside saw him keep the number 33 that he wore at Celtic, which had previously been worn by former Sunderland favourite Julio Arca (now with Middlesbrough).

He made an excellent start as a Sunderland player with a match-winning goal on his debut at Derby and again at Hull City. On both occasions he removed his shirt after scoring, which at Hull earned him a second yellow card and his second red card of the season. He later apologised and promised not to do it again, though Wallace doesn't have regret over it.

Sunderland fans were more than pleased with the promising form Wallace showed throughout the 2006–07 campaign as Sunderland won the Championship. His early form did tail towards the back end of the season, only for him to re-find his form as the season ended. The left-wing position had been highly contested between Wallace and team-mate Tobias Hysén.

Wallace started the season as Sunderland's first choice left-back despite several new defenders joining the club during pre-season. On 11 August 2007 Wallace lined up against Tottenham Hotspur on the first game of the season and successfully provided the 93rd minute assist that enabled Michael Chopra to score and Sunderland to win the game. This form continued into the second game away to Birmingham City when once again Wallace played an integral part in the decisive goal when he provided the free kick that eventually led to Stern John's late equaliser. The match finished 2–2.

He scored his first goal of the season against Reading at the Stadium of Light in a 2–1 victory for Sunderland, scoring again in a 3–2 loss to Arsenal scoring the first ever goal for Sunderland at their first ever game at the Emirates Stadium. Despite his impressive season, Roy Keane stated he would consider offers for Wallace. Wallace was linked with a MLS side Toronto want to sign him but talks never materialised. On 18 January 2008 it was reported that Wallace had sustained an Anterior Cruciate Ligament knee injury and would therefore miss the rest of the 2007–08 football season. But in an unxpected turn of events, Wallace made his return on the final game of the season in a 1–0 loss against Arsenal.

Preston North End

In the 2008 summer transfer window, it was announced that Wallace had rejected an offer from Preston North End, so that he could fight for his place in the Sunderland squad. However, due to the summer signings at Sunderland, Keane told Wallace that he was even further down the pecking order and unlikely to get many games next season. Wallace signed a year-long loan at Preston with a view to a permanent deal at the end of the season. After being an un-used substitute two times, Wallace finally made his debut, coming on for Barry Nicholson, in a 1–1 draw against Sheffield Wednesday on 23 August 2008. He scored his first goal two months later in a 2–0 win over Watford. At Preston, Wallace soon became a fan favourite, due the number of times he provided excellent crosses, mainly for Jon Parkin. Wallace signed a permanent four-and-a-half-year contract with Preston on 12 January 2009. In his first season, Wallace made 39 appearances, scoring five times along with nineteen assists.

The next season, Wallace continued to play, having retained his first team status at Preston. Unlike last season, Wallace wasn't able to provide more assists, registering only seven. However, he received thirteen bookings, missing two games as a result.

Burnley

Wallace transferred to fellow Championship club Burnley for an undisclosed fee on 2 July 2010, signing a three-year contract. Upon completion of the transfer, he was described by manager Brian Laws as "one of the best left-sided players in the Championship". He was linked with a move to Burnley after the club had ended its interest in signing Hearts's midfielder Andrew Driver.

Wallace scored his first goal in a Burnley shirt a week later on his debut in a pre-season friendly against Bury. In the opening game of the season, Wallace made his debut in a 1–0 win over Nottingham Forest, playing 90 minutes. Wallace would score his first league goal and provide an assist for Chris Iwelumo in a 3–0 win over Leicester City. Ahead of a Preston-Burnley derby, Wallace said he was disappointed not to say goodbye to his Preston teammates. Wallace played against his former club and set up the opener for Iwelumo and a winning goal for Jay Rodriguez in a 4–3 win. Wallace had an impressive season at Burnley, making 40 appearances, scoring three times and registering five assists. However, Wallace had a frustrating season as he made just twelve starts.

The next season, Wallace was placed in various positions in defence and midfield and became an ever-present in the side. He became the club's most consistent performer. From 22 October to 5 November 2011, Wallace scored four goals in four consecutive games. Wallace had an impressive season at Burnley, making forty four appearances, scoring five times and registering nine assists. Unlike last season, Wallace was present in every match in the league.

The next season, Wallace was placed on the right of midfield for the first eleven games at the start of the season, before going on the left of midfield or wing before going back to right midfield. On 22 December 2012, Wallace scored his first goal of the season in a 2–2 draw against Birmingham City; his second came from a penalty, in a 2–0 win over Sheffield Wednesday and set up a goal for Keith Treacy on 1 January 2013. During the season, Wallace's contract with Burnley was on the verge of expiring at the end of the season and he stated that he was willing to stay at Burnley. In early February, Wallace signed a two-year extension, keeping him until 2015. In May 2015, Wallace was released by Burnley after five seasons with the club, making a total of 165 appearances in all competitions, scoring 14 times.

Sheffield Wednesday

On 10 July 2015, Wallace joined Championship team Sheffield Wednesday on a one-year deal following his release from Burnley. He scored his first goal for the club in a 2–1 defeat at Ipswich Town. His second goal for the club came in a 1–0 win over Fulham on 2 January 2016 in the Championship; a 25-yard dipping shot after cutting in from the right wing.

International career

On 13 August 2007, two Sunderland players were called into the Scotland national team: defender Russell Anderson and goalkeeper Craig Gordon. Although pleased with the two nominated players, many Sunderland fans expressed disappointment in the fact that Wallace had once again been overlooked for the squad, especially as he had started the new season so well and that Scotland manager Alex McLeish had selected four goalkeepers in his squad. Wallace was called up to the Scotland squad to play Japan in October 2009.

Club

International

Honours

Celtic

Sunderland

Burnley