There are some who believe Callum McGregor shouldn’t be the Celtic captain. I believe that sort of opinion is born out of some fans watching Scott Brown over the years.
It’s indoctrinated in some fans that a captain has to be combative in order to be a captain.
For me, it’s all about respect, and what the players think of their captain, who they look to on the field. Callum McGregor has the seniority and the drive to lead by example in every game he plays for the club.
Joining the Hoops at 9-years-old, Callum has known nothing but Celtic – his only time away was painting up with Jack Grealish at Notts County back in 2014.
Scott Brown gave the midfielder his seal of approval on the way out of the club; the Celtic legend would not have done that lightly.
The midfielder has made over 300 appearances for the club, and at 28 is coming into his prime years.
After the game against Bristol City on Wednesday, the Celtic star was out doing captain’s duties discussing the fall out of the game and if you watch it, I’d challenge anyone to tell me he doesn’t sound like the captain.
? On the Match with Callum McGregor ? #BRCCEL ?? #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/5Hf5HDrxLW
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) July 14, 2021
When things were going badly wrong last season and Callum wasn’t playing at his best, he continually came out and faced the music, spoke to the media and took his lumps.
He deserves the armband for next season, there will be others in the team who might be more combative and say their piece on the pitch but I doubt you’ll find many players in that dressing room who don’t respect McGregor.
He was once written off by Neil Lennon only to have his Celtic fortunes saved by Ronny Deila who handed the midfielder his debut against KR Rejkyavik at Murrayfield.
He grew under Deila but it was when Brendan Rodgers came into the club we witnessed the very best of what Cal Mac had to offer. He was pivotal in so many games, helping the club to an invincible treble. He was a giant under Rodgers but some times didn’t get the credit he deserved.
Four trebles later and Callum has solidified himself in Celtic folklore.
Under Neil Lennon, Callum along with the rest of the team tapered off last season and were not at their best. The team was all over the place and a combination of bad game management and a lack of crowds did hurt the team.
However, the AC Milan manager back in October 2020 praised Callum during a meeting between the two clubs;
“One player who has particularly impressed me is the midfielder Callum McGregor. He is a classic modern, dynamic midfielder and excellent technique. He is EVERYTHING you need.” [HITC]
Good football minded people know what Callum brings to the table and while not every top player is captain material – I think we’ve seen enough to suggest this player is a leader.
We will find out on Tuesday for certain who the captain is, but I’m certain it will be the midfielder.
So what happened when Broonie was ruled out after Dubai fiasco? Left with some kids, 2 turgid home draws where McGregor’s so-called leadership skills were nowhere to be seen.
Along with Christie, he told us we would use the hurt of losing the title to inspire the team.
Next game v Sevco he got himself sent off for 2 brainless fouls in space of a few minutes.
He should consider himself very fortunate that he still finds a place in the team and harking back to form from more than 2 years ago only serves to highlight how poor he has been recently.
I cant recall any game where he’s bossed the mid v Sevco or , indeed, any decent European opposition.
Talks a good game but doesn’t walk the talk.
In 90s, McStay was our captain, a similar quiet character but he led by example through the quality of his play.
McGregor is no McStay
mcgregor has been woeful for the past 18 months and shown nothing by example,he needs to concentrate on getting his own performances back on track before any captains arm band coming his way.