Callum McGregor was named Celtic captain against St Johnstone on Sunday.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has showered praise on Callum McGregor, and insists that he should be firmly established as a Scotland international at this stage of his career.
The 24-year-old has progressed through the youth ranks at the club, and is a key member of Rodgers’s side.
The Celtic midfielder has been in fine form this season, and has scored eight goals already in all competitions.
Rodgers, 45, handed him the captain’s armband in the 0-0 draw with St Johnstone, and hailed him as a “fantastic” talent.
With the crucial Europa League second leg clash against Zenit in mind, Rodgers rested some of his key players against St Johnstone, and gave McGregor the responsibility to lead a young side.
McGregor scored a brilliant goal against Zenit in the Europa League first leg clash at Celtic Park last week, and Rodgers has praised his quality and technique.
“He’s been absolutely brilliant for me and if you look at his goal during the week and if that’s a Spanish, Italian or Argentinian player then everyone would be lauding the quality of his touch and technique,” said Rodgers, as quoted by the Evening Times.
“He’s a fantastic talent in terms of how he takes the ball and how he has only one cap for Scotland is amazing. Someone of that technique and tactical idea of the game is brilliant. With some other regulars out it was anice touch for him to be captain and my staff agreed.”
Celtic remain top of the Scottish Premiership table, nine points ahead of arch-rivals Glasgow Rangers.
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