Callum McGregor and James Forrest have arguably been Celtic’s two most consistent performers this season. What makes their achievement even more impressive is that the duo have played more games than anyone else this season. Literally anyone else.
Forrest has featured 61 times for club and country this season while McGregor is number one worldwide with 64 appearances. The Celtic midfielder has played more minutes of football than anyone else on the planet this season – clocking in a remarkable 5510 minutes for club and country. (Transfer Markt)
While this stat may be celebrated by some Celtic fans, it should actually be cause for concern. Kieran Tierney, who was in the top 25 last season, has struggled with injuries this term and many have put that down to over-exposure.
Playing 60 games a season was always going to end badly to Tierney and the same fate may befall McGregor and Forrest if they’re not protected.
Rest them in the cups
Unlike left-back, Celtic have plenty of replacements in the positions where McGregor and Forrest play. Nir Bitton and Olivier Ntcham are obvious deputies for McGregor while Mikey Johnstone could fill in for Forrest.
It makes sense for the Hoops to give these stand-ins a chance to prove themselves in cup games – in the early rounds at least.
This season, Celtic have played lower league opposition in both cups. Those matches would have been perfect opportunities for McGregor and Forrest to drop-out. While trophies are vital to the club, the futures of our star men should always be paramount.
We should also try to rest the players from time to time on league duty. Making these decisions would keep fringe players motivated and take the heat off our most dependable players.
Otherwise we could be left without the likes of Tierney, McGregor and Forrest for good.
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