David O'Leary swooped for Mark Viduka just before the 1999/00 season after tracking the big Aussie striker for some time. The Leeds boss paid Celtic £6million for his services, after Viduka told the Scottish club he wanted a bigger challenge elsewhere.
The Australian international was voted SPL Player of the Year after scoring 27 goals in his first full season at Parkhead, but it wasn't just his goals that endeared him to Celtic crowds. For a big striker, Viduka is remarkably skillful, and is excellent at holding the ball up and bringing others into play.
Viduka started his career in Australia with Melbourne, before a spell with Croatia Zagreb caught the attention of Celtic - who bought him in December 1998 for 3.5 million. At Leeds he was expected to line up in a three-pronged attack alongside fellow Aussie Harry Kewell and Michael Bridges, but injuries to those two saw him form an excellent partnership with Alan Smith in Leeds Champions League matches, whilst Robbie Keane also benefited from the big Aussie in their Premiership matches together.
Viduka delighted Elland Road in his first season at the club, scoring a remarkable 22 goals and capturing the attention of Europe's biggest clubs. Nevertheless, Viduka remained committed to Leeds and signed a new five-year deal in the summer of 2001.
In the 2002/03 campaign Viduka successfully notched up another 22 goals for the season forming a devastating partnership with youngster Alan Smith and thriving off Aussie team mate Harry Kewell's brilliant passing ability.
In the summer of 2003 there has been much speculation about Viduka becoming another victim of the Leeds exodus with Barcelona confirming their interest in the Australian international along with Premiership clubs Liverpool and arch-rivals Manchester United. However, he is contracted to Leeds United until 2006 and so far has shown total commitment to them.