Paul Lambert has one piece of advice for Callum McGregor once his Celtic playing days are over

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Callum McGregor is still a regular for Celtic but now on the wrong side of 30, even he will admit he is in the latter stages of his career.

McGregor enjoyed a successful season leading the Hoops after securing a league and cup double.

The missed penalty in the Scottish Cup final was the worst moment of McGregor’s career but the midfielder has returned to pre-season training with a smile on his face and fresh optimism.

He still has life in the tank but one day, he will hang up his boots and look to the future, and former Celtic star Paul Lambert has offered some words of advice to the Hoops skipper.

• READ MORE: Callum McGregor shares why he’s a ‘little bit different’ when it comes to Celtic pre-season training

Paul Lambert urges Callum McGregor not to rush into management

Lambert is one of the many former Celtic stars who turned to management after ending their playing days.

However, despite enjoying spells at the likes of Norwich City and Aston Villa, Lambert has warned McGregor about heading straight into the dugout once he hangs up his boots.

Speaking to the Daily Record, he said: “I think the club might have a plan. My advice to him would be not to jump into management right away.

“You have to go and learn it. It’s a different kettle of fish from playing.

“You have to learn the intricacies of management, managing people, dealing with different characters.

“I’d certainly go and learn it, do badges and take your time because it’s unforgiving.

“If you jump in too soon, it can really come back and bite you.

“I don’t know if he’s doing his coaching licences, but he’s certainly got a football brain to give knowledge to people – and that’s great.”

Brendan Rodgers thinks Callum McGregor will become a great manager

McGregor won’t be thinking about retirement for some time yet and his decision to retire from international football to prolong his club career has paid off.

Brendan Rodgers has enjoyed two successful spells as Celtic manager and has tipped his captain to step into the hot seat one day.

“He can be a manager if he wants to be later on,” he told Celtic TV in September 2024.

“I think playing and coaching and management are three totally different things. When you’re coaching, you’re giving opinions and you’re working with the players.

“When you’re managing, you’re making decisions. It’s a totally different set up.

“I would look at Callum as a start point and think that when the time comes for him if he wants to go down that route then he certainly shows a lot of the facets that you would need to manage and coach.”