Callum McGregor was fired up for Celtic’s trip to Tynecastle on Sunday; it’s a shame the rest of his teammates weren’t.
That was proven in the first half, as McGregor was trying to stamp his authority on the game, including a coming together with his opposite number, Cammy Devlin.
The Celtic skipper went in for a challenge and appeared to win the ball whilst taking Devlin out, as the on-field referee saw that as a foul and awarded Hearts a free kick.
That didn’t sit well with McGregor, as he pushed Devlin away several times whilst exchanging words, and that was discussed post-match.
Cammy Devlin on Callum McGregor clash as Celtic lose to Hearts
McGregor scored Celtic’s only goal of the game, and he seemed like one of the very few Hoops players who seemed up for it.
Whilst Devlin and McGregor clashed on the pitch, the Hearts player showed his class when telling Sky Sports that the duo are ‘fine’, and how you can’t ‘hide away’ from the quality Celtic have in their locker.
On what he and McGregor were discussing: “Nah, that was probably, it’s just the way the game goes,” said Devlin.
“It’s a heated game. It was a big three points that we were both so desperate to get. We are fine. We have played against each other so many times, it’s fine.
“Playing against a top side, there’s no hiding away from that in Celtic. They are probably going to have more control. We were so disciplined in the way we stayed narrow and compact.
“There was a togetherness. It wasn’t the prettiest win or play the best football. It was about winning and getting three points, and we did that.”
Devlin on Celtic’s ‘top, top’ midfield
Celtic’s club-record transfer Arne Engels, Reo Hatate and McGregor were the three selected to play in the middle of the park by Brendan Rodgers.
Despite Celtic’s struggles and abject form of the midfield this season, Devlin still sang their praises, including how they are ‘top, top players.’
On midfield battle with Celtic trio: “Yeah, it was tough,” stated Devlin. “They are top, top players. International footballers. They are the champions, and the reigning champions, for a reason.
“They have been there for so long. You have just got to work hard, as much as you can. It was a tough battle, and just happy to win.”
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