George Ker (Queen’s Park)
A sketch of an International, cup tie, or, in fact, a first-class contest of any kind ten years ago, would be altogether incomplete without some reference to Mr. George Ker, now abroad. From 1880 to 1883 he was Scotland’s best centre forward, and the originator of what is now known in football parlance as the “cannon shot” at goal. Many players have since tried it, and made fairly good attempts, but Ker alone could do it to perfection. In this International he gave the Englishmen a taste of his ability in this line. He passed Mr. Greenwood, the English extreme back, and when fairly in front watched how the goalkeeper (Mr. Swepstone) would take in the situation. Ker spun the ball hard from his toe at the proper moment, and sent in a “flyer,” which took effect. I am all but certain that if a vote were taken among players and spectators about the place to be assigned to centre forwards, Ker would come out the admitted chief. International honours were his thrice against England.