Baggio Was A "Piss Take"

STEVE FULTON never had a problem being compared to Roberto Baggio but woe betide anyone who says he looks slim.

The Kilmarnock midfielder, who has suffered years of abuse after being hit with the Baggio tag, is sent into a rage when fans tell him he doesn't look as fat as he does on the TV.

Celtic boss Martin O'Neill drooled over teenage striker Aiden McGeady following his starring role in the 1-1 draw at Tynecastle and compared his foot trickery to Brazilian ace Ronaldinho.

It brought the memories flooding back for Fulton who was startled being called 'Baggio' following Italia 90.

But he wants to set the record straight Celtic boss Billy McNeill never said he had the skills of the Divine Ponytail.

Fulton, 33, said: 'Baggio had performed so well for Italy at the World Cup and at that time I'd just broken through at Celtic and was performing well."

Billy McNeil said, 'If Baggio is worth this much, how much will Fulton be worth in a few years?' '

Fulton..... "He wasn't exactly comparing like with like but his comments were exaggerated. They never bothered me, even when fans came up to me in the streets and told me I couldn't lace Baggio's boots."

'At the start it was a p*** take but now it has become a term of affection and even Killie and Hearts fans have given me the nickname.

'It has never affected me in the least. To be honest, I get more offended when people come up to me and say I don't look as fat as I do on the telly.

'That happens quite regularly and they expect me to take it as a compliment.'

Fulton, who is currently recovering from a hip operation, was last seasons killiefc.com player of the year.