Celtic could face one of the toughest decisions of Martin O’Neill’s permanent tenure as speculation surrounds Callum McGregor’s immediate future at the club.
The Celtic captain has been at the centre of some transfer gossip this summer as McGregor’s Celtic future was discussed by O’Neill this week.
Celtic will need much more than another technically gifted midfielder if their captain moves on, and one proposed solution would represent a serious risk.
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Celtic cannot base McGregor decision on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain staying fit
Speaking about the possibility of replacing McGregor, former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie backed Oxlade-Chamberlain as a potential short-term replacement for McGregor.
Speaking on Let Me Be Frank, McAvennie said, “Definitely, yeah. If you get him fit enough to play in every game, I think he’s a great player. I really do. I think he’s a wonderful player.
“I mean, four years ago, he bossed the Champions League final. I think, and he’s not old. You get him fit.
“So, you know, I just think he’s a great player. If you get him fit, then he will not miss a game. If he’s fit and playing, he won’t miss a game. He’ll be a catalyst.”
And therein lies the problem. McAvennie repeats ‘fit’ four times in the one conversation and that is something Celtic simply cannot gamble with.
Oxlade-Chamberlain does have quality and pedigree, but if McGregor leaves, Celtic not only need quality in the middle of the park, they also require a leader. The Ox is not that.
Replacing the Celtic captain with a fitness gamble would leave O’Neill exposed in the most important area of the pitch.
Celtic need a proper Callum McGregor succession plan
Celtic simply cannot wait until McGregor leaves before deciding how to replace him. They have known for years this day was coming.
A genuine successor must be able to control games, receive the ball under pressure, protect the defence and play consistently.
That player doesn’t need to be a clone of McGregor, but he must be dependable enough to become central to O’Neill’s team.
Oxlade-Chamberlain would make more sense as an experienced option added alongside a younger, durable midfielder.
If Celtic believe McGregor could leave, the club must invest in a long-term solution rather than hoping an experienced free agent can stay fit.
Oxlade-Chamberlain’s name carries excitement and his career deserves respect, but Celtic cannot take the gamble McAvennie is suggesting.
If McGregor leaves, replacing him will be too important to leave to a player whose suitability begins with the words “if you get him fit.”
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