Ange Postecoglou hails Callum McGregor for playing ‘outstanding’ football this season and for having stepped up as a ‘real leader’ as captain at Celtic, via quotes by the Daily Record.
McGregor took over the armband last summer when Scott Brown left Parkhead for a new chapter as player-coach with Aberdeen. He was the vice-captain in Glasgow last term, but took on the extra responsibilities at a time the Bhoys were also beginning a major rebuild.
Postecoglou adopted a threadbare squad when named Celtic’s new manager in June and swiftly sought to secure several key signings. Two transfer windows on, the Australian has added 17 new faces to the Hoops ranks. He has also moved on eight in permanent deals.
McGregor has been a near mainstay of Postecoglou’s first Celtic side with 42 appearances across all competitions so far. He has also offered three goals and four assists, with two of each in Premiership fixtures to help toward a table-topping campaign and the best offence.
Postecoglou ‘can’t speak highly enough’ about Celtic captain McGregor
It is not often Celtic rely on McGregor for his goals, but Postecoglou knows how important they can be. His hit against St Mirren last week, for instance, stands out to the Bhoys boss as it created a two-goal buffer entering the final stages to end the Buddies’ hope of a reply.
Postecoglou also admires the 28-year-old for his bravery to play with a protective mask on his face. McGregor sustained two fractures in his cheekbone in January that only kept the 41-cap Scotland international from two matches, despite the high severity of the blow.
“There is no doubt Callum has been a real leader for this team,” Postecoglou said. “He has shown unbelievable courage to play with that face mask for the last few weeks and then you add all the leadership qualities he has shown for us.
“It’s not just about being a leader, you also have to play your part in the team. You saw him last midweek against St Mirren when he scored a really important goal for us. Callum’s football has been outstanding, and that is where it starts.”
Adding: “People forget this is his first year as a leader, as captain of this football club. This is his first crack at steering a team through this part of the year, and I am sure he will learn a lot about himself and the way he leads. But I can’t speak highly enough about Callum.”
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