Scott Brown has spoken out in support of Callum McGregor as questions keep building around the Celtic captain during the title run-in.
McGregor has come under pressure in recent weeks, with some supporters questioning his form and influence. That talk has only increased since it became clear he has been playing through an injury.
Brown understands that situation better than most. He spent more than a decade as Celtic captain and dealt with the same kind of pressure when results or performances dropped.
This current side are still in the title race, sitting just a few points off the top with five games to go. Even so, attention has turned to the captain, especially with Celtic losing control of matches at times.
Brown said: (Daily Record), “I’ve been there myself and it’s true that the captain can become an easy target.
“But I’m telling you now, never write Cal off because he’s the main man and he keeps that club ticking.
“He keeps the team together on the pitch and he’s the driving force off it.
“His mentality is next to none – he wants to play every game whether he’s injured or not.
“But Callum’s got big enough shoulders to deal with that.”
Brown’s message is straightforward. McGregor’s role goes beyond what is always obvious during games. When Celtic are not fully in control, his job becomes harder, especially when he is not fully fit.
The recent matches show that. He has been taken off before full-time more than once, and Celtic have lost control in spells after he has gone off. That links directly to how the team plays when he is not setting the tempo.
There is also the question of whether he should be playing at all. With a semi-final coming up and the title race tight, Celtic have to balance keeping him involved with managing his fitness.
That comes with the role. At Celtic, the captain is always under the spotlight, especially when the team is not fully convincing on the pitch.
