Callum McGregor is going to be one of Celtic’s most pivotal players during this gruelling run-in.
But Andy Halliday has expressed his worry about how many games the Celtic skipper is playing, especially with another round of big fixtures on the horizon.
The Motherwell midfielder highlighted Celtic’s call to start McGregor against Auchinleck in the Scottish Cup in January as ‘madness’, and thinks he needs a mental and physical ‘recharge.’
Celtic host VfB Stuttgart in the Europa League on Thursday night for the first leg of their play-off encounter, and you can bet your bottom dollar that McGregor will be starting this encounter.
Callum has named his Celtic XI to face Stuttgart…
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Andy Halliday can’t believe how many matches Callum McGregor is playing for Celtic
The Open Goal panel were discussing Celtic’s lack of control in matches, after they produced another late, late show, this time against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.
Usually, McGregor is the one running the show in the middle of the park, but Paul Slane highlighted how it’s probably down to the Celtic team as a whole, not playing very well.
That’s when Halliday pointed towards McGregor’s minutes, and how he is playing way too much and probably needs a stint on the bench.
Si Ferry: “I have never seen Callum McGregor so ineffective in games. In the first half, I can’t remember him passing the ball forward.”
Paul Slane: “Could you put that down to how Celtic are playing as a team, though. Not controlling games.”
Ferry: “It just shows you, structure and passage of play, it matters, doesn’t it? Rotation and movements to get on the ball. They don’t look like they have that Celtic.”
Andy Halliday: “We have said it before as well. Callum McGregor has arguably been the best player in the country for the best part of seven or eight years.
“But seeing him playing every minute at every game. Like the decision to play him in that Auchinleck game. I just think it’s madness.
“Sometimes, it’s good to bring somebody out. A mental recharge, as well as a physical recharge, is going into what is a massive run of games. If Celtic are picking their best team, he is still in it. Don’t get me wrong.”
McGregor’s starts and minutes breakdown for Celtic this season
The issue here is that McGregor isn’t just starting every game, but he doesn’t get subbed off either, to earn that rest and recharge.
As mentioned above, the fact that the retired Scotland international was playing against a non-league side in the Scottish Cup just summed it all up.
But here is a breakdown of McGregor’s minutes and starts for the Hoops this term.
- Games played: 42
- Starts: 41
- Off the bench: 1
- 90+ minutes played: 38
- Subbed off: 3
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