Lukasz Zaluska
Encyclopedia
Łukasz Załuska (ˈwukaʂ zaˈwuska; born 16 June 1982) is a Polish
footballer who plays for Scottish
club Celtic in the Scottish Premier League
as a goalkeeper.
, Załuska began his career in 1997 with Ruch Wysokie Mazowieckie
but left within a few months to join MSP Szamotuły. After a year, he moved on to Sparta Oborniki, before spending time with Zryw Zielona Góra. In 2001, Załuska moved to Stomil Olsztyn
and made his first appearance in the Ekstraklasa in August 2001. In 2002, he joined Legia Warszawa
but made no appearances for the club. From here, he had two loan spells with Jagiellonia Białystok before joining Korona Kielce
in 2004. Załuska spent two years with Kielce, culminating in a Polish Cup
runners-up medal in just before moving to Scotland
in May 2007.
team Dundee United
on a two-year contract on 30 May 2007. He played in pre-season for United but suffered a broken foot before the start of the domestic season, prompting the club to sign countryman Grzegorz Szamotulski
as a short-term replacement. After returning to training in late October, it was feared Załuska had broken his foot a second time in early November. Załuska finally made his competitive debut for United on 26 January 2008, just days before Szamotulski's departure. United won 2–1 in what was captain Barry Robson
's final match for the club.
In February 2008, after helping United beat Aberdeen
in the semi-final of the Scottish League Cup
, Załuska was reported to the Scottish Football Association
(SFA) for making gestures to the Aberdeen fans. In the match, both keepers faced missiles thrown by sets of opposing fans, including plastic cups, chocolate and £1 coins. Referee Iain Brines
was also hit by a coin thrown from the Aberdeen supporters' end. A month later, Załuska received a £500 fine and a warning from the SFA for his actions.
On 17 December 2008, it was reported that he had declined a new contract and would be leaving the club at the end of the season after the current one expires.
and would be joining at the end of the season. He officially became a Celtic player on 1 June 2009. Załuska made his debut for the Glasgow side on 21 September 2009 in the League Cup against Falkirk
which Celtic won 4–0. On 25 October 2009, he made his league debut for the Hoops against Hamilton Academical as a replacement for his injured compatriot Artur Boruc
and pulled off several saves in a 2–1 win.
On 10 April 2010, Zaluska played in a Scottish Cup semi final for Celtic at Hampden Park
which they lost 2-0 to Ross County
.
At the start of the 2010-11 season Załuska became Celtic
first choice goalkeeper after Artur Boruc
left for Italian side Fiorentina
. However Celtic signed Fraser Forster
on loan from Newcastle United
and Załuska once again became second choice goalkeeper.
At the start of the 2011-12 season Załuska again became Celtic
first choice goalkeeper after Fraser Forster
returned to Newcastle United
. He started Celtics
opening SPL
game against Hibs
, keeping a clean sheet in a 2-0 victory.
squad for the first time in August 2008, following Artur Boruc
's suspension, although he remained unused. He was called up again in November, with Boruc missing due to injury. He won his first international cap on 6 June 2009, against South Africa
.
Dundee United
Celtic
Poland
Poland , officially the Republic of Poland , is a country in Central Europe bordered by Germany to the west; the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south; Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania to the east; and the Baltic Sea and Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave, to the north...
footballer who plays for Scottish
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
club Celtic in the Scottish Premier League
Scottish Premier League
The Scottish Premier League , also known as the SPL , is a professional league competition for association football clubs in Scotland...
as a goalkeeper.
In Poland
Born in Wysokie MazowieckieWysokie Mazowieckie
Wysokie Mazowieckie is a town in north-eastern Poland, in Podlaskie Voivodeship. It is the capital of Wysokie Mazowieckie County. Population is 10,034 .-Twin towns — Sister cities:Wysokie Mazowieckie is twinned with: Alpiarça, Portugal...
, Załuska began his career in 1997 with Ruch Wysokie Mazowieckie
Ruch Wysokie Mazowieckie
Ruch Wysokie Mazowieckie is a Polish football club playing currently in Polish Second League.-Current squad :-External links:* *...
but left within a few months to join MSP Szamotuły. After a year, he moved on to Sparta Oborniki, before spending time with Zryw Zielona Góra. In 2001, Załuska moved to Stomil Olsztyn
OKS 1945 Olsztyn
OKS 1945 Olsztyn is a Polish football club based in Olsztyn, Poland. It was founded in 15 July 1945, as OKS Warmiak. The brightest era of this club were the 1990s when it played in Polish First League, as Stomil Olsztyn.- Before promotions to First League :...
and made his first appearance in the Ekstraklasa in August 2001. In 2002, he joined Legia Warszawa
Legia Warszawa
Legia Warszawa is a professional football club based in Warsaw, Poland. It was founded in March 1916 in the area of Maniewicze in Volhynia as the football club of the Polish Legions...
but made no appearances for the club. From here, he had two loan spells with Jagiellonia Białystok before joining Korona Kielce
Korona Kielce
Korona Kielce, , is a Polish football club, currently playing in the Ekstraklasa. In the years 2002-2008 Club belonged to Polish holding company Kolporter Holding and achieved its greatest success - in 2005, winning promotion to the first division...
in 2004. Załuska spent two years with Kielce, culminating in a Polish Cup
Polish Cup
The Polish Cup in football or officially Remes Puchar Polski, is an elimination tournament for Polish football clubs, held continuously from 1950, and is the second most important national title in Polish football after the Ekstraklasa title...
runners-up medal in just before moving to Scotland
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
in May 2007.
Dundee United
Załuska joined Scottish Premier LeagueScottish Premier League
The Scottish Premier League , also known as the SPL , is a professional league competition for association football clubs in Scotland...
team Dundee United
Dundee United F.C.
Dundee United Football Club is a Scottish professional football club located in the city of Dundee. Formed in 1909, originally as Dundee Hibernian, the club changed to the present name in 1923...
on a two-year contract on 30 May 2007. He played in pre-season for United but suffered a broken foot before the start of the domestic season, prompting the club to sign countryman Grzegorz Szamotulski
Grzegorz Szamotulski
Grzegorz Szamotulski is a Polish footballer.He has had a nomadic career, playing for 11 different clubs in six different countries: Poland, Greece, Austria, Scotland, England and Israel.-Early career:...
as a short-term replacement. After returning to training in late October, it was feared Załuska had broken his foot a second time in early November. Załuska finally made his competitive debut for United on 26 January 2008, just days before Szamotulski's departure. United won 2–1 in what was captain Barry Robson
Barry Robson
Barry Gordon George Robson is a Scottish footballer who plays for Middlesbrough in the Football League Championship and for the Scotland national squad...
's final match for the club.
In February 2008, after helping United beat Aberdeen
Aberdeen F.C.
Aberdeen Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Aberdeen...
in the semi-final of the Scottish League Cup
Scottish League Cup
The Scottish League Cup is a football competition open to all Scottish Football League and Scottish Premier League clubs. At present it is also known as the Scottish Communities League Cup owing to the sponsorship deal in place with the Scottish Government. In the past it has been sponsored by...
, Załuska was reported to the Scottish Football Association
Scottish Football Association
The Scottish Football Association is the governing body of football in Scotland and has the ultimate responsibility for the control and development of football in Scotland. Members of the SFA include clubs in Scotland, affiliated national associations as well as local associations...
(SFA) for making gestures to the Aberdeen fans. In the match, both keepers faced missiles thrown by sets of opposing fans, including plastic cups, chocolate and £1 coins. Referee Iain Brines
Iain Brines
Iain Robertson Brines is a Scottish football referee in the Scottish Premier League. Brines has been a referee since 1989 and has been a FIFA-listed referee since 2003.-Controversy:...
was also hit by a coin thrown from the Aberdeen supporters' end. A month later, Załuska received a £500 fine and a warning from the SFA for his actions.
On 17 December 2008, it was reported that he had declined a new contract and would be leaving the club at the end of the season after the current one expires.
Celtic
On 23 December 2008, Załuska signed a pre-contract agreement with CelticCeltic F.C.
Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in the Parkhead area of Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. The club was established in 1887, and played its first game in 1888. Celtic have won the Scottish League Championship on 42 occasions, most recently in the...
and would be joining at the end of the season. He officially became a Celtic player on 1 June 2009. Załuska made his debut for the Glasgow side on 21 September 2009 in the League Cup against Falkirk
Falkirk F.C.
Falkirk Football Club is a Scottish professional football club based in Falkirk. It is one of two professional football teams from the town, the other being East Stirlingshire...
which Celtic won 4–0. On 25 October 2009, he made his league debut for the Hoops against Hamilton Academical as a replacement for his injured compatriot Artur Boruc
Artur Boruc
Artur Boruc is a Polish footballer who plays for Serie A club Fiorentina as a goalkeeper. On 20 October 2008, Boruc was one of 55 players shortlisted for the FIFPro World XI Player Awards.-Pogoń Siedlce:...
and pulled off several saves in a 2–1 win.
On 10 April 2010, Zaluska played in a Scottish Cup semi final for Celtic at Hampden Park
Hampden Park
Hampden Park is a football stadium in the Mount Florida area of Glasgow, Scotland. The 52,063 capacity venue serves as the national stadium of football in Scotland...
which they lost 2-0 to Ross County
Ross County F.C.
Ross County Football Club are a Scottish professional football team from the town of Dingwall, Ross and Cromarty. Founded in 1929 they currently compete in the Scottish Football League First Division and play their home matches at Victoria Park. Prior to the 1994–95 season they played in the...
.
At the start of the 2010-11 season Załuska became Celtic
Celtic F.C.
Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in the Parkhead area of Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. The club was established in 1887, and played its first game in 1888. Celtic have won the Scottish League Championship on 42 occasions, most recently in the...
first choice goalkeeper after Artur Boruc
Artur Boruc
Artur Boruc is a Polish footballer who plays for Serie A club Fiorentina as a goalkeeper. On 20 October 2008, Boruc was one of 55 players shortlisted for the FIFPro World XI Player Awards.-Pogoń Siedlce:...
left for Italian side Fiorentina
ACF Fiorentina
ACF Fiorentina, commonly referred to as simply Fiorentina, is a professional Italian football club from Florence, Tuscany. Founded by a merger in 1926, Fiorentina have played at the top level of Italian football for the majority of their existence; only four clubs have played in more Serie A...
. However Celtic signed Fraser Forster
Fraser Forster
Fraser Gerard Forster is an English footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Celtic, on loan from Newcastle United.He started his career with Newcastle and has had loan spells with Stockport County, Bristol Rovers and Norwich City as well as being on loan to Celtic for the 2010–11 season.-Early...
on loan from Newcastle United
Newcastle United F.C.
Newcastle United Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear. The club was founded in 1892 by the merger of Newcastle East End and Newcastle West End, and has played at its current home ground, St James' Park, since the merger...
and Załuska once again became second choice goalkeeper.
At the start of the 2011-12 season Załuska again became Celtic
Celtic F.C.
Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in the Parkhead area of Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. The club was established in 1887, and played its first game in 1888. Celtic have won the Scottish League Championship on 42 occasions, most recently in the...
first choice goalkeeper after Fraser Forster
Fraser Forster
Fraser Gerard Forster is an English footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Celtic, on loan from Newcastle United.He started his career with Newcastle and has had loan spells with Stockport County, Bristol Rovers and Norwich City as well as being on loan to Celtic for the 2010–11 season.-Early...
returned to Newcastle United
Newcastle United F.C.
Newcastle United Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear. The club was founded in 1892 by the merger of Newcastle East End and Newcastle West End, and has played at its current home ground, St James' Park, since the merger...
. He started Celtics
Celtic F.C.
Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in the Parkhead area of Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. The club was established in 1887, and played its first game in 1888. Celtic have won the Scottish League Championship on 42 occasions, most recently in the...
opening SPL
Scottish Premier League
The Scottish Premier League , also known as the SPL , is a professional league competition for association football clubs in Scotland...
game against Hibs
Hibernian F.C.
Hibernian Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Leith, in the north of Edinburgh. They are one of two Scottish Premier League clubs in the city, the other being their Edinburgh derby rivals, Hearts...
, keeping a clean sheet in a 2-0 victory.
International career
Załuska was called up to the PolandPoland national football team
The Poland national football team represents Poland in association football and is controlled by the Polish Football Association, the governing body for football in Poland...
squad for the first time in August 2008, following Artur Boruc
Artur Boruc
Artur Boruc is a Polish footballer who plays for Serie A club Fiorentina as a goalkeeper. On 20 October 2008, Boruc was one of 55 players shortlisted for the FIFPro World XI Player Awards.-Pogoń Siedlce:...
's suspension, although he remained unused. He was called up again in November, with Boruc missing due to injury. He won his first international cap on 6 June 2009, against South Africa
South Africa national football team
The South Africa national football team represents South Africa in association football and is controlled by the South African Football Association, the governing body for football in South Africa. South Africa's home ground is Soccer City, known as FNB Stadium due to a naming rights deal, in...
.
Honours
Korona Kielce- Polish CupPolish CupThe Polish Cup in football or officially Remes Puchar Polski, is an elimination tournament for Polish football clubs, held continuously from 1950, and is the second most important national title in Polish football after the Ekstraklasa title...
Runner-up: 1
-
- 2006–07
Dundee United
- Scottish League CupScottish League CupThe Scottish League Cup is a football competition open to all Scottish Football League and Scottish Premier League clubs. At present it is also known as the Scottish Communities League Cup owing to the sponsorship deal in place with the Scottish Government. In the past it has been sponsored by...
Runner-up: 1
-
- 2007–082007-08 in Scottish footballThe 2007-08 season was the 111th season of competitive football in Scotland.-Overview:* Gretna were competing in the Scottish Premier League for the first time, their first ever season in the top-flight, after being promoted as First Division champions the previous season.* Dunfermline Athletic...
- 2007–08
Celtic
- Scottish CupScottish CupThe Scottish Football Association Challenge Cup,, commonly known as the Scottish Cup or the William Hill Scottish Cup for sponsorship purposes, is the main national cup competition in Scottish football. It is a knockout cup competition run by and named after the Scottish Football Association.The...
Winner: 1
-
- 2010–11
External links
- Transfermarkt Profile
- Łukasz Załuska profile at the Celtic website
- Player profile