Callum McGregor is hitting his stride again for Celtic

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The apparent decline in form of Callum McGregor has been one of the more subtle talking points from a Celtic point of view so far this season.

If you venture to Celtic Park on a matchday you’re almost certain to hear someone say “McGregor needs a rest, he’s playing too much football” or “McGregor needs a boot up the backside, he’s not the player he was a year ago.”

While those comments are perhaps a little harsh for a guy who has already netted more than half of his goal tally from last season, it is easy to see what they were built on. Football is on objective game at the end of the day. When fans are seeing a regression in performances they’re going to let it be known.

McGregor is getting back to a top level for Celtic

There are just signs in the last few matches that the Scotland man is hitting his stride once again. McGregor has been back to his usual industrious self since the last international break, with top displays against Ross County, Aberdeen and, most notably, Lazio.

The midfielder is such an important player for us at any level because he does the basics so well. McGregor very rarely gives the ball away, nor does he try to do anything daft with it. He’s a talented enough player, but even then, he knows his limitations.

He’d much rather give the ball to a James Forrest or a Ryan Christie than try something outrageous himself.

He could undoubtedly do with a rest but you can also see Neil Lennon’s point of view. McGregor is almost undroppable when he’s in this kind of form. While the temptation may be there to rest him in so-called lesser games, the team would lose something with him on the bench.

It’s not been a startling start to the season by McGregor but he is motoring again. With so many big fixtures coming up before the end of the year, that can only be seen as good news.