Ange Postecoglou has picked out Callum McGregor for praise as he labelled his performance at Tannadice as “outstanding”.
McGregor grabbed the opener in the City of Discovery before a Giorgos Giakoumakis wrapped up a 3-0 Scottish Cup success at Dundee United.
However, Callum was more than just a goalscorer on the night. He was constantly breaking up the play in our defensive third before using his energy to become a driving force going forward too. Despite the tricky surface at Tannadice last night, McGregor was extremely tidy in his usage of the ball and kept Celtic firmly in control.
And it was a performance that certainly impressed Ange, who appears to have given Callum a new lease of life this season.
Speaking to Premier Sports after the game, the Celtic boss said: “Yes he was outstanding tonight. His football, he was really clean on the ball and it’s not easy. Walking on that pitch it’s difficult to get your passes through the lines but he was clean in his possession.
“And it’s another good goal he got as well.”
Callum McGregor was the standout Celtic performer at Tannadice
There were plenty of players who turned up and put in a fine shift at Tannadice. The likes of Giakoumakis, for example, walked away with his head held high after a clinical brace. Daizen Maeda, meanwhile, was energetic, lively, and a constant menace for United down the left flank.
But nobody stood out the way in which McGregor did. Whilst the likes of Reo Hatate and Matt O’Riley both had moments where they struggled to control the ball on the difficult Tannadice pitch, McGregor was the one who looked head and shoulders above the rest.
He gave the back 4 some serious protection throughout the contest. This was a huge reason as to why we managed to consistently beat the United press. McGregor was always offering himself up as an option and not once gave it away when we did.
Had he not been so efficient with his ball usage, United would’ve gotten a lot more joy and excitement last night than they did. Despite how difficult a fixture this was, McGregor didn’t once look as if he was even being challenged by the occasion.
No surprises then to know that he’s the Celtic captain. He’s been leading by example all season and is thriving ever since Ange moved him to a number 6 role. You’re starting to see the leadership qualities coming out in Callum, and it’s brilliant to see how much he’s progressed this season.
His experience and quality is going to be absolutely vital for the run-in.
In other news, Rivals won’t be happy with Michael Stewart and Chris Sutton’s latest Celtic prediction
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
