Celtic manager must be brave and rest Callum McGregor

Callum McGregor’s form for Celtic in recent weeks has been patchy to say the least.

It looks clear that the midfielder is in dire need of a rest by Neil Lennon. He’s played in all but one of Celtic’s matches this season. In addition to that, he played in both of Scotland’s double-header matches against Russia and Belgium respectively.

Celtic were criticised by fans during the summer for highlighting a stat on Twitter that had McGregor playing more minutes than anyone in world football last season. It’s not something many fans believed the club should’ve been proud of. Whilst it speaks volumes for McGregor’s commitment to the cause, it doesn’t read well regarding how he was managed.

Callum McGregor clearly needs a rest (Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

And in recent weeks, McGregor has been showing that tiredness could be creeping in once again. The Hoops hero was poor at Hamilton on Saturday as he made several giveaway passes. Better sides than Accies could’ve punished us.

A couple of weeks ago at Ibrox, McGregor also had some loose passes picked up on by the Rangers attackers. Fortunately, Steven Gerrard’s side didn’t have it in them to punish us either.

It’s not like him, and a rest for Thursday’s clash at Rennes in favour of Olivier Ntcham would be a sensible decision.

Dropping McGregor is brave, but also necessary

Of course, it would also be a brave one. If Celtic succumbed to Rennes’ incredibly talented engine-room on Thursday night, it’s an easy excuse to toss at Lenny.

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But no player will be more determined than Ntcham to put in a performance in France in any case. If he still wants that move next summer, he could do with a fine performance in his homeland. It seems made up for him to produce a performance.

Olivier Ntcham must be itching to play in France (David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

And, given he’s only come on as a substitute in the last couple of matches, he’ll be raring to go and should be full of energy.

Sure, it’s a massive game. In big games you play your big players. However, you also don’t play your tired ones. McGregor is clearly that if his recent performances are anything to go by.