‘He is top level…’ James McFadden ‘surprised’ Celtic player ‘never made a move’ 

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Celtic are doing what they do best and that’s heading towards more trophies this season.

On Wednesday, Celtic host Dundee for the rearranged Premiership fixture that could see the champions open up a 13-point lead at the top of the table.

Many know that the title is heading towards Parkhead, it’s a case of Brendan Rodgers ensuring the team doesn’t make a meal of it and they try to wrap it up as soon as possible.

The man who has seen through Celtic’s utter dominance for over a decade now is captain Callum McGregor.

Celtic’s win over Motherwell at the weekend was significant because it was his 500th appearance for his boyhood club.

McGregor did spend a season on loan at Notts County when he was a teenager, playing alongside Jack Grealish, but the green and white colours have been part of his whole footballing life.

James McFadden ‘surprised’ Callum McGregor didn’t leave Celtic

It’s a credit to McGregor that he has dedicated his career to Celtic because he has been immense in the middle of the park.

James McFadden stated that the 31-year-old has been ‘unbelievable’ and a ‘top-level’ player, but questioned if he has been ‘overlooked’ in his career.

McGregor has played alongside many great Celtic players and several of them have gone on to secure moves to leagues of a higher standing than Scotland, even if the club they sign for aren’t bigger than the Bhoys themselves.

McFadden admitted that he was ‘surprised’ McGregor never got such a move, as he told Sky Sports Football (02/02/25 at 2:30 pm). 

“I don’t know if he has ever been overlooked,” said McFadden. “Or he has never been willing to make a move, if there has been interest. Has the price been putting people off? Is he under-appreciated? Unless you have been on the inside, you don’t really know.

“What I can say is that he has been an unbelievable player. Coming in a a winger and an attacking player, then finding a position in the central midfield. Being that anchor. The playmaker. It shows you his intelligence, as well as his ability.

“Callum McGregor, the consistency levels of being available and the level of performance is quite incredible. I am surprised that he never attracted a bid or made a move because I think he is a top-level player.”

McGregor’s Celtic career in numbers

McGregor is climbing the list of Celtic’s most decorated players of all-time, but a certain James Forrest should and will be top of the pile by the end of the season.

The retired Scotland international has won 23 major trophies in his career, numerous Trebles, and you can bet your bottom dollar another could be on its way.

That’s 500 appearances for a player who will probably have a statue outside Parkhead once he retires.