Celtic captain Callum McGregor let the emotions flow after clinching his 11th Premiership title at the weekend.
But the captain stayed for the oncoming fight, helping Celtic secure five titles in a row in the most dramatic of fashions.
He now has 25 honours to his name during what has been a decade of unprecedented dominance in Scottish football.
Alistair Johnston and Kieran Tierney both mentioned the behind-the-scenes importance of the 32-year-old, crediting him for his dedication to the club.
With a significant summer rebuild looming, the midfielder has a big decision to make regarding his future.
If he were to move on, it would signal the end of a special era. Former Celt, Jackie McNamara, knows a footballer’s career can go by in the blink of an eye.
McNamara admitted that seeing McGregor depart would be a huge blow. He said (The Celtic Way):
“It would be a big loss. It’s like Scott Brown was a big loss when he left, [but] the club keeps moving forward. You can’t play forever.
“We all have a short career and it’s there. But there have to be contingencies. If he is injured or he isn’t there, they’ve got a replacement, because that time will come at some point for everybody, not just Callum.”
Replacing someone’s stature of McGregor wouldn’t just be filling in his on-field duties, but the presence he has day-to-day.
We were somewhat fortunate in 2021 when Scott Brown hung up his boots, as McGregor was seen as the natural replacement to pick up the armband. That decision certainly paid off.
This time it’s different. There are players, such as Tierney and Johnston, who possess leadership qualities. But that would still leave a gap in midfield that needs to be acknowledged ahead of next season.
Even if McGregor decides to stay, that area of the pitch still needs to be addressed. Several players are set to depart, and recruitment cannot afford to be as off the mark as it has been this season.
McGregor is aiming to clinch his 26th piece of Celtic silverware when they face Dunfermline in the Scottish Cup final this Saturday. The game will carry emotions for several reasons, as it could be Martin O’Neill’s farewell.
But the message from McGregor to the players will be simple: go out and sign this season off on a high note.
