Celtic hero Callum McGregor earns rave reviews from Jonny Hayes

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Jonny Hayes has sent massive praise over to Callum McGregor, as he labelled the Celtic midfielder “unparalleled”.

The pair were part of the Hoops side to take a vital three points from Rugby Park on Sunday. It was just Hayes’ 10th appearance of the season. Yet, for McGregor, it was a stupendous 53rd outing for club and country this term.

The energy of McGregor is incredible, but his consistency of performance is also on another scale. A real box-to-box midfielder of the highest calibre, the Scotland star is one of Celtic’s biggest goal threats.

Over the last year-and-a-half at Parkhead, Hayes has had the chance to see McGregor up close for himself. And, speaking to the Celtic View (Wednesday February 20th, page 15), the Irishman couldn’t help but lavish praise on the midfielder.

“Callum’s intelligence on and off the ball is unparalleled, and he’s the best I’ve ever played with.

“Recently, he’s started getting a bit more of the plaudits he deserves. I remember when I first signed and Callum wasn’t playing every week. I couldn’t believe it.

“He’s got a left foot, right foot, he can go long, go short, he’s so fit and surprisingly quick as well. Whether you go outside or inside, it doesn’t matter. Wherever you run, he’ll find you.”

The most improved player under Brendan Rodgers

It’s difficult to name another player who’s improved as much as McGregor under Rodgers. Stuart Armstrong would be the immediate contender, but he’s no longer at the club.

McGregor’s commitment to Celtic, meanwhile, has been on full show. The youngster signed a new deal in December that ties him to Parkhead until 2023.

Rodgers has managed to boost his goal tally up since taking over from Ronny Deila. Under Deila, McGregor only managed 11 goals in two years. In the same time under Rodgers, he bagged 19. Overall under the Northern Irishman, McGregor already has 25 strikes to his name.

But it’s his passing that’s perhaps been the most improved asset of McGregor’s game. His eye for a killer ball is sensational. Like Hayes says, McGregor has an unrivalled ability to find a man regardless of his run.

He hasn’t had the credit he’s due for already performing in 53 matches – a total many players wouldn’t reach in two full seasons. But, these days, nothing surprises you with Celtic’s little midfield genius.