After the news of Celtic captain Callum McGregor securing a long-term deal to remain at the club, Hoops boss Ange Postecoglou was full of praise for the midfielder.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Ange insisted that the 27-year old was the perfect example for the young players coming through at Lennoxtown, as to where hard work and talent can get you at the club.
Postecoglou said: “It’s brilliant news for the club. Obviously, it was an important year for Cal stepping up to be the new captain, and he’s already shown outstanding qualities.
“I still feel his best football years are ahead of him, and it’s great to know that they’ll be in front of the Celtic fans, and he’ll be a big part of what we’re trying to build for the future.
“He espouses the values that I’m after, and he understands what we’re trying to build and, on and off the field.
“He’s not just talking about it, he’s living it, and he’s showing the behaviour that I want leaders to show, and as I said, he’s just taken his first steps, but I think that it’s exciting with what’s ahead.
“Again, it’s a great story to tell, and I’ve already mentioned him to quite a few of our young guys who’re trying to break through into the first team – he’s a shining example.
“It’s not always smooth sailing, you’ve got to fight through things, and you’ve got to prove yourself at times.
“He had to go away to kick-start his career, and the whole time he just had this real determination to be part of this football club and have success, and long may it continue.”
Signing up McGregor on yet another long-term contract until at least 2026 was a massive boost to both Postecoglou and the Celtic support.
With the ability that the midfielder possesses, not many would have seen him playing his peak years at Parkhead.
Now, as the club captain, he continues to impress supporters on a weekly basis as the driving force within Postecoglou’s attacking Celtic side consistently.
As his career progresses into the later years, it will be interesting to see how he will develop even further as a player.
At this stage, though, all his focus will be going into winning trophies with the club once again after a disappointing campaign last time out.
