Scott Brown believes Callum McGregor has all the attributes of a manager once he hangs up his boots.
McGregor, now 33, recently made it clear he wants to remain at Celtic and continue under Martin O’Neill, putting an end to speculation that had followed him through the summer.
Rumours gathered pace after the midfielder switched to the same agency as Rodgers, leading to suggestions the pair could reunite in Saudi Arabia. Instead, McGregor committed his future to Celtic in an interview with Sky Sports as he prepares for a sixth season as club captain.
It is another significant boost for O’Neill.
McGregor’s value stretches well beyond what he produces during 90 minutes. His understanding of the club, his standards around Lennoxtown and the influence he has on teammates are qualities that cannot be measured with goals or assists.
That is exactly what Brown highlighted when discussing his former teammate on Open Goal.
“He’s very, very intelligent. He gets whether it’s a Martin O’Neill team, a Brendan team, a Neil Lennon team.
“He knows what the culture of the club is, what the manager wants.
“He’ll be a good coach, possibly a manager, in his time.
Brown also wonders how the club will fill that void once McGregor is no longer on the pitch.
“Once you lose that, how do you replace that?”
Brown’s point goes beyond tactics or leadership on the pitch.
Every successful Celtic side has had players who understand what the club demands every single day. McGregor sits firmly in that category. He has worked under different managers, experienced trophy-winning seasons, difficult campaigns and European nights, all while becoming the constant figure in the dressing room.
Replacing that level of experience is never straightforward.
If McGregor eventually decides coaching is the next step, there will be few surprised. His reading of the game has long been one of his biggest strengths, while his communication and leadership have made him the natural voice within the squad.
Whether that opportunity comes at Celtic or elsewhere to build experience first remains to be seen, but Brown clearly believes the foundations are already there.
For now, though, Celtic still have the benefit of McGregor leading from the middle of the park.
After the uncertainty surrounding his future earlier this summer, keeping hold of the captain always felt like the best outcome. The club have retained far more than an experienced midfielder. They have kept one of the key figures responsible for maintaining the standards and culture that have underpinned so much of Celtic’s recent success.
