Celtic aren’t where they wanted to be heading into Christmas.

But thankfully, Celtic have produced some late drama to provide some feel-good factor to proceedings this season.

Callum McGregor has provided several of them, including that extra-time stunner against Rangers in the League Cup semi-final, and that outrageous winner against St Mirren last time out.

But whilst McGregor has felt those highs, he has also come under fire this term, and Marvin Bartley has made sure to fight his corner.

Should Steve Clarke ask Celtic captain Callum McGregor to revoke his Scotland retirement for the 2026 World Cup? Callum McGregor praised for producing big moments for Celtic

Bartley is part of the Livingston coaching staff, and he faced the champions of Scotland back in August, losing 3-0.

But speaking on Clyde 1, he wasn’t happy at the criticism that has come McGregor’s way this season.

Bartley explained that the Celtic skipper has ‘come up with big moments’ again and again, and ‘nobody will care about the performances’, only the end result.

“Callum McGregor comes up with a huge, huge goal in the end,” said Bartley. “Come the end of the season, nobody will care about the performances if it means another league title for Celtic. 

“You know when you’re not at your best. You have to win games of football. Good teams do that, and good players come up with good moments.

“Callum McGregor has probably been a player who has come under a little bit of criticism. People saying, ‘Oh, I am not sure he should be starting for Celtic week in and week out.’

“He showed against St Mirren, just why he should be playing, because when a team’s not doing well. He can put himself in that as well. He comes up with big moments.

“Like you say, three points against St Mirren. It’s not something that should be sniffed at.”

McGregor’s season in numbers

Even if you take into account the drama off the pitch, and Celtic’s AGM being cancelled last week. 

The Hoops needed to make more noise on the pitch, and whilst it looked like the game in Paisley was heading towards a draw.

McGregor stepped up and made sure there was something to shout about after another drama-filled week in Glasgow.

This is how McGregor’s season has looked in numbers:

Premiership games: 12Goals: 2Assists: 0Tackles: 1.7Interceptions: 1.2Clearances: 1.7Key Passes: 0.8 Join Our Newsletter

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