WHEN we broke the news that Brendan Rodgers would be playing Callum McGregor at left back on 29 December at Ibrox, one supporter on Twitter asked how a Celtic blog could write such a thing?
As it turned out McGregor was Celtic’s best outfield player on that day to forget, he was unlucky to be flagged offside for what would have been an undeserved equaliser – had those circumstances occurred at the other end with Celtic a goal ahead there would have been no flag – we all know that.
But his good performance at left back meant we lost his even better performance in midfield. And with Tom Rogic missing too, Scott Brown was left in there without the necessary backup to turn the tide in our favour.
McGregor that day proved his worth the Celtic’s midfield without playing in his favoured position. Speaking to the new edition of The Celtic View, Calmac reflected on his role in the team, revelling in the responsibility of the jersey and the straight-forward manner in which he agreed to a new Celtic deal.
“I feel like I’m really at home at Celtic,” he said.
“The contract stuff was done really quickly, and I got the shout that they wanted to give me a new one and it was pretty much done within the space of a couple of weeks.
“I’m really happy here, in terms of being in the team and trying to help the team and the club being successful. I feel that responsibility to be here and give my best.
“I’ll play wherever the gaffer wants me to, but in terms of personal preference, I like to play anywhere centrally.
“I think that helps in terms of what my skillset is, moving the ball quickly, keeping the ball, get us playing, tempo in the passes.
“I think anywhere centrally, if I can play as a number 8, I can get forward, if I can play as a number 6, I can help dictate the game from further back.
“I think playing centrally for me, is where I’m suited best. First and foremost, though, we’re all Celtic players, and we give absolutely everything for that jersey.”
Also on The Celtic Star on today…
Contrasting fortunes on Celtic debuts, Weah’s infectious enthusiasm
‘It’s great to be back,’ says ‘Buzzing’ Bitton, Farewell Johnny, ‘YNWA TG CSC’