Such was the quality of Nikica Jelavic, manager Walter Smith was prepared to sacrifice almost his entire transfer budget to secure the services of the Croatian striker.
In times of real financial constraint, £4m represented a huge outlay but it proved to be a calculated decision.
Nikica had terrific movement, possessed great physical strength and could score truly spectacular goals.
His debut season saw him win the League Cup and Championship and he would score on the day those trophies were secured.
Undoubtedly our prized asset at the time, he was sold to Everton in 2012 as the Club’s finances were coming under intense scrutiny.
