Callum McGregor fired Celtic two goals in front yesterday courtesy of a glorious strike against Hibernian at Easter Road.
Taking in Nicolas Kuhn’s pass, the 31-year-old unleashed a powerful long-range effort destined to evade Josef Bursik from the minute it left the ground. It nestled right in the corner, leaving the former England Under-21 international with no chance.
Occurring in the same week that McGregor retired from international duty with Scotland, you would have paid a pretty penny to hear Steve Clarke’s thoughts after losing the services of one of his most experienced lieutenants.
The Tartan Army boss was in attendance yesterday, examining potential candidates to be called into his squad for Scotland’s upcoming Nations League matches, which begin next month.
Nevertheless, McGregor won’t be involved. Instead, he will have a rare opportunity to put his feet up. Nobody can begrudge the captain a rest period; it is richly deserved. Brendan Rodgers has had his say on the midfielder following an eventful week.
Brendan Rodgers makes Steve Clarke admission
Rodgers was delighted with McGregor’s exploits post-match, paying tribute to the captain’s ‘wonderful’ strike and all-action performance on a day when the Bhoys were a level above their opponents in the capital.
Courteously, he also sympathised with Clarke as he prepares for life without the Celtic captain at international level. Despite this, he reiterated the decision will help to elongate his Parkhead career.
He stated [Daily Mail]: “He was brilliant. That’s what happens when you retire from Scotland! Hopefully, there are many more goals to come. I’ve managed him in so many games, over the two spells here now. I know his quality. I know his game inside out.
“It doesn’t surprise me. He’s scored so many goals for me, especially in the first spell, then a few this spell. It was a wonderful strike. That’s what you need in your team, and he possesses quality.
“I do feel for Steve because he (McGregor) is a quality player, of course. But, from a Celtic perspective, for longevity, for him, his career, his recovery… there’s so many games now, it’s a 12-month season. For him to get these little periods of recovery will be important for him. Those little windows where you can give him that breather will do him the world of good.”
Laying foundations for longevity is key for Callum McGregor
It is no secret that McGregor had to wade through injury problems at Celtic last season. So much so, that he overcame a season-ending scan to star in their domestic double triumph.
It pains me to say it, but he isn’t getting any younger. At 31 years of age, the former Scotland international is into his peak years, but he needs proper rest to play on well into his thirties.
Words can’t emphasise how important McGregor is to Celtic. Carrying a vital level of influence, he is the standard bearer at Parkhead and uses his experience to orchestrate from deep.
Everyone wants to see that continue for as long as humanly possible. Evaluating events last week, it appears his decision is already having the desired effect.
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