Callum McGregor raves about Celtic youngster coming out of academy

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Celtic served a reminder that they are right in the hunt for the Scottish Premiership title after crushing Dundee 7-1 at Parkhead last night.

Brendan Rodgers hailed his side’s intensity during the affair, claiming their level of performance was akin to his first spell at Parkhead.

The Irishman stated post-match: “Nights like that take me back to when I was first here – the performance, the intensity and everyone enjoying it. We’re here to win, but Celtic is about playing football that gets the supporters excited.”

One thing is for sure: supporters were excited by events on the pitch, as no fewer than seven scorers chipped in to record a comprehensive victory on home soil.

Cameron Carter-Vickers, Adam Idah, Matt O’Riley, Daizen Maeda, Greg Taylor and Callum McGregor helped Celtic race into an incredible 6-0 lead at the interval, prompting scenes of jubilation from fans who gave their side one of the loudest standing ovations Parkhead has seen for quite some time.

Nevertheless, Daniel Kelly’s first goal for his boyhood club on 63 minutes was the crowning moment of the day, curling a sweet strike past Trevor Carson to add a magnificent seventh goal to the scoreline.

Kelly signed his first professional contract at the Bhoys last season and offered a glimpse into the future by virtue of his industrious display in the engine room.

Celtic captain Callum McGregor blown away by Daniel Kelly

Undertaking his post-match media duties, Celtic captain McGregor was joined by Kelly to discuss their side’s excellent display at home to Dundee.

The Scotland international gave the youngster some high praise and signalled that he is excited to see him continue to blossom at Parkhead.

McGregor told Celtic TV: “Over the time I’ve been here, we try and add to the young players coming through the academy and into the first-team.

“This guy has been outstanding since he’s come up with a real personality and good quality. He wants to learn and work as hard as he possibly can – all those attributes coming from the academy are so important if you want to have a career here.

“When you come on, you have to take your chance, and that’s exactly what he did. It’s a brilliant finish with his weaker foot, and the challenge is to keep going and want more. The group really love him in the way he trains and plays, so we need more of that for him.”

Undoubtedly, Kelly didn’t let his big moment go to waste, building on his first senior outing against Buckie Thistle earlier this year by claiming his maiden strike in green and white.

McGregor’s career can serve as a roadmap to the starlet, given that he worked his way up from the youth system to eventually become club captain, earning himself a legacy shrined in trophy-laden success.

With midfielders David Turnbull and Hyeokkyu Kwon departing in January, there may be further opportunities for Kelly to cement his status within the senior squad down the line.