Callum McGregor is “ready to go” and make an impact for Celtic once again, Ange Postecoglou confirmed today as the midfielder returned to full first-team squad training.
McGregor travelled with the group to Sydney but looked to be taking part in non-contact training as he rehabilitated from the knee injury sustained against RB Leipzig on October 5th.
However, Postecoglou is hopeful he will be fully involved in the build-up to the test against Aberdeen at Pittodrie, giving the player a great chance to make the match squad for that one.
Speaking in a media conference today [Celtic YouTube], the Celtic boss said: “He can’t wait to get cracking. He trained with the first team today and will be part of our build-up to our game against Aberdeen. He’s ready to go. It’ll be great to have him back.
“Credit to the team. People stepped up when they needed to. He’s such an influential player on and off the field. Cameron Carter-Vickers did a fantastic job stepping in as captain alongside Joe Hart. Both of them I thought filled that void.
“In terms of the team, Matt O’Riley and Reo Hatate I thought played the most during that time. They were excellent in filling that gap that was left by Callum. There’s no doubt it’s great to have him back. He’s a fantastic player and he’s a major influence so to have him back will be brilliant not just for us as a team but for the whole club.”
It goes without saying McGregor’s return not only gives Postecoglou brilliant additional squad options but directly improves the starting eleven.
He’s going to be so important for our trophy push having dominated Scottish football so consistently over the last few years. McGregor is the leader we badly needed after Scott Brown’s exit and it still feels like he has so much to achieve with the club.
After a two-month absence, the smart money is on him being the first out of the tunnel up in Aberdeen.
In other news, Celtic’s Portugal timeline as squad regroup from time off.
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