Celtic winger James Forrest has made it clear he wants Callum McGregor to remain at the club, with the veteran winger praising the captain’s influence as speculation over his future continues.
Forrest, who recently signed a one-year contract extension, is preparing for his 18th season in green and white. The 35-year-old remains Celtic’s most decorated player, having lifted 31 trophies since coming through the club’s academy.
McGregor has followed a similar path.
The midfielder stepped into the captain’s role in 2021 following Scott Brown’s departure and has become the driving force within the side, both on and off the pitch.
Forrest hopes it stays that way.
“Obviously, he’s the captain, but everybody really does respect him, and he does lead.
“It’s just the way he trains, the way he plays and I think that’s really important and he’s respected by the club high up as well. He does his job unbelievably, so it’s really important to keep a guy like him here.
“He just wants the best for the club and what he’s done for the club has been unbelievable and he’s still hungry for more, he keeps wanting more. He’s started off really good in pre-season, so he’s looking really good and it’d be good to keep him. So aye, just let him keep doing what he’s doing.” (SunSport)
Those comments reflect how highly McGregor is regarded inside the dressing room. His standards have rarely slipped since taking on the captaincy, and he continues to set the example for the rest of the squad.
Any suggestion of losing him this summer would naturally concern supporters, particularly at a time when Celtic’s transfer business has yet to gather real momentum.
McGregor featured in the opening half of the pre-season friendly against Shelbourne, showing no sign that his focus is anywhere other than preparing for another campaign in Glasgow.
He has also spoken publicly about the need for Celtic to match his ambition as the club looks to build on another successful domestic season. Those comments have only increased scrutiny over the club’s activity in the market.
So far, Camilo Duran is the only arrival of the summer, with plenty of work still expected before the transfer window closes.
Forrest’s backing of McGregor is unlikely to quieten the speculation, but it underlines the value the captain still holds within the squad. With no concrete interest having materialised, Celtic will be hoping the rumours remain just that as preparations for the new season continue.
I’d be off if I was him, after the way Celtic have rewarded his loyalty. Can you imagine, after years of loyal service you get to a knockout tie against the mighty Bayern Munich, and only lose due to some dodgy refereeing, but are consoled by the fact that 2 decent acquisitions and the team moves up a level. Then Instead of taking this opportunity they rip the heart from the team. To say this must have been sole destroying is an understatement.
Also unlike our supposedly loyal fans he doesn’t need to worry about not getting his season ticket back, so why would he then back the board to the hilt?, like our deluded fans do. Every year they give the charlatans their cash, and for some reason expect to see a different movie. It’s like getting punched in the face then asking the guy to do it again, blind masochism.