Celtic are basking in the aftermath of another derby victory over Rangers and while some are outwardly raging at phantom penalties, the reality is that the Bhoys deserved their win.
Celtic’s big players turned up on the day, none more so than Callum McGregor who bagged the man of the match award after an imperious display in the middle of the park.
The Bhoys captain was superb throughout, but especially in the first half, where it seemed he had the freedom of Celtic Park to impose himself on the match.
Much-hyped Rangers man Todd Cantwell was assigned to counteract him but as former Ibrox player Neil McCann pointed out on BBC Sportscene, he was simply schooled by McGregor.
Celtic star Callum McGregor teaches Todd Cantwell a lesson
McCann said: “Cantwell was trying to get close to him all game, but I’m sorry this was an absolute lesson on what it is to lead a team. He just was not accepting it. He’s fully aware that Cantwell is there and trying to stop him. But the one thing McGregor did today was dictate the pace of the game.
“He played a deeper role when he’s been playing further forward under Brendan. He decided when to break that anchor role. He decided when he needed to step into that final third and dictate the play. He made it really difficult for Cantwell to get close to him.
“Although Todd Cantwell got whipped during the game. He should watch this game and realise what it takes to boss a game and be a leader on the park. Not even in possession, but actually how impactful you can be in a game by making sure that you’re just emptying yourself all the time.”
Cantwell may have technical ability and skill – but a player such as McGregor also possesses that and manages to combine it with a heart and desire that powers his team to success in big matches.
Brendan Rodgers rightly dished out significant praise to his captain post-match, too. McGregor may not have had the most consistent of seasons so far but if he can continue to perform like he did at the weekend, Celtic will be very hard to beat.
In other news, Kyogo boost for Celtic.
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