"I have a responsibility"; Callum McGregor is embracing his Celtic task under Ange

By Euan Davidson

March 17, 2022

Celtic captain Callum McGregor was given a huge responsibility by Ange Postecoglou in the summer of 2021.

It’d been speculated upon for years, but when McGregor was finally given that armband, he’d earned it. Nobody, apart from the departing Scott Brown, put as much of himself out on the pitch for Celtic on such a regular basis. Regularly, McGregor was mounting up several thousands of minutes across competitions, with a real grit and determination to match his technical prowess.

Now, he stands on the cusp of an incredible opportunity; a Celtic Treble in his first season with the armband. Rather than shrinking under the lights, though, the Hoops skipper sounds more determined than ever to do his part as Ange plots a course for history.

McGregor, representing the club today for the Billy Against Dementia Golf event [Celtic FC] in honour of Billy McNeill, said [STV]: “You have to embrace that [challenge].

“The club have had success over a huge amount of time. The guys who were standing in my shoes, I’m now standing in their shoes and I have a responsibility to make sure that it goes the right way.

‘I’ll take that responsibility every day and try to help the players in any way that I can.

“It’s exciting times, this is what you want as a professional footballer at a big club where you are expected to win things. This is the most exciting period.

“The players look ready, they look hungry, they are training well and we are looking forward to the game on Saturday against Ross County.”

Ange Postecoglou knows he can trust Celtic captain Callum McGregor to set the tone

It really is incredible, looking back to when McGregor was given the armband, that now we’re on the precipice of something truly special.

When Celtic manager Postecoglou appointed his new captain, it wasn’t a decision made in haste. Although all the momentum was with McGregor, it wasn’t as simple as handing the armband. Ange thought about it deeply, but In the end, there was a clear choice.

Since embracing the responsibilities of leading Celtic, McGregor has thrived. Not only has he adapted to the captaincy, he’s taken on a new tactical responsibility. As the beating heart of the Celtic midfield, he has the best vantage point to co-ordinate his side, and set the tempo.

An event celebrating Billy McNeill couldn’t have been more appropriate. If you want a role model in terms of being a Celtic captain, look no further than Cesar. There was a man who won everything in the Hoops.

At this point, McGregor is clearly focusing on keeping his teammates focused on what’s ahead. Rangers lie in wait at least two times in April, and the pressure will be on Celtic to maintain incredible momentum.

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