Chris Sutton believes summer transfer rumours surrounding Celtic midfielder Callum McGregor impacted on the player’s performances, writing in his regular Daily Record column.
Back in August, The Daily Mail (09/08 print edition, back page) reported that the Hoops had rejected a late offer from Leicester City for the Scotland international.
It was said former manager Brendan Rodgers was ready to pay as much as £20m for his services.
Sutton reckons it’s only natural that McGregor would be impacted by the approach and that it could have been a factor in the player not being at his best in the early stages of the season.
However, the former Celtic striker reckons we are now seeing the best of the midfielder again.
As quoted by The Daily Record, he said: “You wouldn’t be human if missing out on the chance to go south of the border to play in such a glamorous league with the type of wages which are on offer didn’t swirl around your head for a bit.
“Having been told he was too valuable to let go, yet being the one shunted to left-back when Cluj were in Glasgow the last time for one of the biggest games of the season which was lost may also have messed with his mind. Whatever the reasons, the spark seemed missing.
“But there were signs in recent weeks that it was coming back in his role alongside Scott Brown. Against Rennes, McGregor was terrific in the engine-room. Easter Road last Saturday was another good showing but the midfielder was really back to his brilliant best against Cluj.
“All aspects of his game were spot on.”
Improving form
There’s no doubt that McGregor has notably improved in recent matches. How much that has to do with transfer rumours is unknown though. There could be other factors in a slight dip in form.
He’s played so many matches over the last couple of seasons. Last term no-one in world football played more than the 26-year-old, with duties for club and country really adding up.
That could have had a cumulative effect and reduced his energy in matches.
Lennon has explained prior to today’s trip to Livingston why he can’t be rested more often, believing the player is simply too good and too important to Celtic.
We witnessed against Cluj a player at the peak of his powers. If he can maintain those kind of performances over the next couple of months, we’ll be well on our way to having a huge season.
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