Celtic should seize the opportunity to rest Callum McGregor in Tallinn on Tuesday night.
The season may still be in its extreme infancy but Neil Lennon may already be looking to guard against fatigue.
McGregor played more minutes than any other professional on the planet last season. Although it was a terrific achievement for the 26-year-old, a repeat would be severely damaging.
Instead, Celtic must look to rest the midfielder’s weary legs when they can this season. And the second leg against the minnows Nomme Kalju gives them the perfect early-season opportunity to do so.
Celtic must protect McGregor
McGregor has looked anything but weary in the early parts of this season. The Scotland international may only have got around a fortnight of holiday in the summer, but it hasn’t showed in his early displays.
He’s looked quick, agile and full of energy. Lennon may have been surprised given the fact McGregor has played close to 100 games since the start of 2018. However, he can’t allow himself to be fooled.
Celtic need a McGregor firing at his best in April and May as well as July and August. The midfielder was excellent for the most part last season but he did seem to tail off slightly in the closing months of the campaign.
His let-up was only natural but Celtic must aid him this season by not relying on him so heavily.
There’s no need for him to take to the field in Tallinn. The Hoops had the tie sewn up in the first-leg and the return fixture is simply a box ticking exercise. McGregor should be given the evening off.
Put it this way – you’d much rather a fully-fit McGregor was playing in a vital league decider in May than in Tuesday night’s effective dead rubber.
The Dunfermline Betfred Cup tie should also give Lennon a chance to rest his most valuable man. With the likes of Luca Connell and Olivier Ntcham waiting in the wings, there really is no excuse.
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