James McFadden uses Barry Ferguson as an example to defend out-of-form Celtic star

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James McFadden has made a comparison with his ex-Birmingham City teammate Barry Ferguson and Celtic captain Callum McGregor.

McGregor has played every minute for Celtic this season so far bar the Livingston clash, where the skipper played just over 30 minutes.

But Celtic fans and pundits alike have noticed he isn’t playing at his usual best standards, with Gordon Dalziel noticing a big drop off in form.

But McFadden has defended McGregor by saying he could just be going through a spell of underperformance, just like with every player.

• READ MORE: Gustaf Lagerbielke caught up in utterly bizarre ‘missing person’ case after Celtic transfer exit

McFadden on Callum McGregor and Ferguson

And he compares the situation to when Ferguson joined Birmingham from Rangers in 2009, with many saying the midfielder’s legs were gone and he wasn’t the same player.

McFadden told Open Goal: “I think he can go through spells where he’s maybe just not as good.

“I remember when Barry left Rangers and he came to Birmingham, and he was sitting in the canteen, and obviously I was still across what was happening, getting the papers, watching Sky Sports News.

“And it was the whole ‘aw his legs have gone’ when he signed. And I’m like: ‘Listen, forget that, your legs are fine. You’re 31 and your legs are fine. Just come down and enjoy your football.’

“And he was amazing. I’m not saying he (McGregor) needs to leave to get a fresh (start), all I’m saying is, just because people are saying his legs are gone… it could just be a wee spell.

“Again, it’s the same as Maeda, the whole team are lacking something. That wee bit of spark or freshness.”

McGregor ‘understands’ fan anger with Celtic board

The Celtic captain will do his all on Sunday against Kilmarnock to improve his form amid a fan protest at Rugby Park.

Hoops supporters have been urged not to enter the Chadwick Stand until the 12th minute of the game as a show of disapproval towards the Celtic hierarchy.

And McGregor sympathises with fans, saying at his Friday presser: “Obviously I can understand it. It’s the supporters that make the club, you know, what it is. It’s so special. It’s synonymous with the support that they back the team.

“They’re putting their hard-earned money into the club. So, of course, I understand it. They want to see the best possible team on the pitch that they can do.

“Everybody in elite sport, the players, the supporters, we all want to be at the highest level possible every single year, and that is the demand of this club. So I do understand it. I sympathise with them a little bit on it.