Callum McGregor’s early exit at Hampden raised questions in the moment, especially with the game starting to turn in St Mirren’s favour. The Celtic captain went off after 73 minutes, just as the match was beginning to lose shape and control in midfield.
Celtic had been comfortable in the first half. McGregor helped move the ball and keep things ticking, even if the tempo dipped at times. After the break, though, the game became more stretched. St Mirren pressed higher and forced more second balls, which made it harder for Celtic to settle.
When McGregor went off, Celtic lost a bit of structure in that area. The midfield became more open, and St Mirren found space to deliver crosses and push numbers forward. The equaliser late on came through that pressure building rather than one single moment.
Martin O’Neill had already spoken before the match about managing McGregor’s minutes, and after the game he made clear the substitution followed that plan rather than any fresh issue picked up during the game.
He said: (Premier Sports), “Callum will be fine.
“We only thought that he would see it through 65, 70 minutes again.
“But he’s, honestly, he’s fine. He’s absolutely fine.”
O’Neill’s comments remove any doubt around the change. It wasn’t a reaction to the flow of the match or a problem on the pitch. It was controlled before kick-off and stuck to during the game.
It also explains why Celtic didn’t have the same grip in the latter stages. Without McGregor dropping in to take the ball and slow things down, the game became quicker and more direct.
That suits St Mirren more than Celtic. They were able to turn the match into second balls and wide deliveries rather than a controlled passing game through midfield.
Celtic still found a way through it. Extra time gave them space, and fresher legs made the difference once the game opened up again.
Looking ahead, managing McGregor’s minutes will stay part of the thinking. There are five league games left and a final against Dunfermline to come.
Keeping him ready for those games matters more than pushing him through a full 90 minutes here.
