Lewis Ferguson has admitted to how highly he rates “top class” Celtic midfielder Callum McGregor.
McGregor has been an ever-present for the Hoops once again this season under new manager Ange Postecoglou. Taking over from Ferguson’s new teammate Scott Brown as Celtic captain, the Scotland international has taken his game to new heights once more.
Ferguson, meanwhile, has continued to plug away in a bid to bolster his own reputation at Pittodrie. He’s been valued at £4m in the past [Scottish Sun], but as of yet no club has been willing to stump up the money for the Dons hero.
And ahead of today’s clash at Celtic Park, Ferguson has admitted he looks up to McGregor as he admired his midfield counterpart’s quality. As quoted by the Daily Record, Ferguson said: “For the last three years, I’ve played directly against him. And he’s pretty underrated in what he does. He’s such a good footballer, who rarely gives the ball away. He’s so neat and tidy, he’s quick and gets about the pitch. Everything about him is top class. So it will be a difficult game against him.
“I rate him so highly, as everybody in Scotland should. He goes under the radar a bit. Playing for Celtic, the forward players get more of the credit and the plaudits when they’re winning. With Scotland, it’s maybe the same. But he does his job and executes game plans perfectly. He’s just a really good midfield player and a tough opponent.
“Callum is a starter for Scotland in most games so that’s the standard I need to reach. I look up to guys like him and think, that’s the level. He’s the benchmark I need to reach to become a starter for my country.”
Callum McGregor vs Lewis Ferguson and Scott Brown – excitement brewing
If we’re being real, the McGregor vs Ferguson battle hasn’t been much of a rivalry in recent years. The reason being that Callum has always had Brown by his side as part of a combination that has bossed these fixtures in the past.
The shoe was on the other foot back in early October when Celtic went to Pittodrie. McGregor had to face off against both Ferguson and Brown in the Granite City. It’s fair to say it was much more of a battle with the Dons giving as good as they got in the engine room.
It took a late goal from Jota to secure the 3 points on that occasion. However, it very easily could’ve gone anyone’s way. Brown was making his presence felt in his usual aggressive, no-nonsense style. And that proved to be a problem in the match.
Of course, it remains to be seen just how the pair compete at Celtic Park this afternoon. Stephen Glass’ side are certainly in for one of their sternest tests of the season, and they’ll find Celtic to be a much different side to the one they faced just under 3 months ago.
Ferguson, as always, will be one of the key figures. He’ll be expected to evade McGregor whilst Brown attempts to snuff out the threat of David Turnbull and Tom Rogic.
The intrigue surrounding this fixture this afternoon is there for all to see. Hopefully, it lives up to its billing.
In other news, “I’m going to be a wee bit controversial”; Livi boss weighs in on Hibernian’s pre-Celtic complaint
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