Brendan Rodgers has confirmed his own belief that Callum McGregor should be the appointment Celtic make as captain when Scott Brown departs.
Brown is set to leave the club for Aberdeen in the summer. Come the end of the season, Celtic will be looking for a replacement both as a captain and positionally on the pitch.
In that sense, they appear to have two lined up. On the field, Ismaila Soro looks ready and willing to step into Brown’s shoes. However, replacing his leadership skills as captain comes with it different responsibilities. It looks extremely likely that vice-captain McGregor will indeed step into the role.
And Rodgers believes that’s the appointment Celtic need to make after he handed Callum the responsibility during his own time as Hoops boss.
Speaking to the Daily Record, the Leicester boss said: “It was always going to be difficult to replace Scott as Celtic captain. It’s just hard to replace Scott, like for like. Because he’s one of the last of those types of that generation. But someone else can come in and do it.
“I remember when Steven left Liverpool, it was always going to be a tough task replacing him. But the year before, I’d appointed Jordan and he’s gone on to be a great captain for Liverpool.
“I think Callum is the natural successor to Scott. He has different qualities and strengths. But he loves the club and knows what it takes to play for and be successful for Celtic. He’s the guy to naturally take over.”
Brendan Rodgers not wrong with Callum McGregor view; Celtic not blessed with alternatives
It doesn’t even seem like it’s up for debate. McGregor is the man who deserves to be given the responsibility of being captain this season.
He has, after all, been prepped for it. He’s played consistently this season without Brown alongside him as the captain. He already has experience of being the on-field leader and has come through the Celtic academy. Nobody will know the meaning of this honour more than Callum.
In addition to that, he’s shown his leadership and fearless qualities in his media work this season. After some of the most bitter results of the season, McGregor has been the one to come out and confront things this term. He hasn’t been afraid to discuss where Celtic have gone wrong tactically, and is always honest with the support about where things are.
He deserves this honour more than anyone, and in truth it’s not even a debate. Who else is there who can truly stake a claim? Kris Ajer is a good one, but chances are he’ll be off in the summer with his contract entering its final 12 months.
Chris Jullien is another potential option given he’s one of the more senior players in the ranks. But the vice-captaincy role would be more appropriate.
Outside of that, nobody stands out. Perhaps that is indeed a worrying sign ahead regarding our lack of leaders. Regardless, there’s no denying who our next one should be.
In other news, Davie Provan has highlighted Dermot Desmond’s incredible Celtic hypocrisy.
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