Callum McGregor talks up Lewis Morgan in mature media response

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Callum McGregor has played down the potential absence of Odsonne Edouard for this Sunday’s Betfred Cup final by talking up Lewis Morgan.

Edouard hasn’t been seen in a Celtic shirt since the win over Livingston a fortnight ago, while former St. Mirren man Morgan has started the last three games up front in his absence.

The Scotland international wasn’t really viewed as a striking option prior to his latest stint, but many now feel that he is a genuine contender to start the Hampden clash.

And, as far as McGregor is concerned, that isn’t a bad thing as he gave a mature response to the media on Thursday.

“We’ve got a great squad and that has probably been demonstrated over the last three or four games without Odsonne,” he said, as reported by FourFourTwo.

“He is such a big player for us at home and in Europe but Lewis has stepped up and scored the goal against Rennes.

“We’ve got loads of strength and depth in the squad and whoever is asked to play up front on Sunday, I’m sure they’ll do a job for the team.

“You can tell Lewis is an intelligent footballer. Normally these guys have the brains to play anywhere on the pitch.”

McGregor only said good things about both Edouard and Morgan

It’s clear that McGregor is just playing his normal impressive media game. His answer takes the pressure off both Edouard to be a fit, and Morgan if he plays on Sunday. It was a good approach to take from the dependable midfielder.

There’s no doubting that we’re a weaker team without our prolific Frenchman. Edouard gives us a focal point in attack that few others do, and he’s often the man who raises his game on the big occasions – like Sunday’s final.

You can’t help but feel that Neil Lennon is readying himself to announce Edouard as a starter at the last minute. The Northern Irishman has been playing the forward’s chances down in the media all week, despite him being seen in training on Tuesday morning.

Ask yourself this: If Edouard was really not going to make the match, would Leigh Griffiths not have seen a bit more action over the past week or so? It seems highly unlikely that Morgan would be played in such a big game.

Announcing Edouard fit on Sunday would give us all a massive boost in confidence prior to the match. Hopefully that is exactly what Lennon is planning.