Celtic aren\u2019t where they wanted to be heading into Christmas.<\/p>\n
But thankfully, Celtic<\/a> have produced some late drama to provide some feel-good factor to proceedings this season. <\/p>\n Callum McGregor<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n But whilst McGregor has felt those highs<\/a>, he has also come under fire this term, and Marvin Bartley<\/a> has made sure to fight his corner. <\/p>\n 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<\/p>\n Bartley is part of the Livingston coaching staff, and he faced the champions of Scotland<\/a> back in August, losing 3-0.<\/p>\n But speaking on Clyde 1, he wasn\u2019t happy at the criticism that has come McGregor\u2019s way this season.<\/p>\n Bartley explained that the Celtic skipper has \u2018come up with big moments\u2019 again and again, and \u2018nobody will care about the performances\u2019, only the end result. <\/p>\n \u201cCallum McGregor comes up with a huge, huge goal in the end,\u201d said Bartley. \u201cCome the end of the season, nobody will care about the performances if it means another league title for Celtic.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cYou know when you\u2019re not at your best. You have to win games of football. Good teams do that, and good players come up with good moments. <\/p>\n \u201cCallum McGregor has probably been a player who has come under a little bit of criticism. People saying, \u2018Oh, I am not sure he should be starting for Celtic week in and week out.\u2019<\/p>\n \u201cHe showed against St Mirren, just why he should be playing, because when a team\u2019s not doing well. He can put himself in that as well. He comes up with big moments. <\/p>\n \u201cLike you say, three points against St Mirren. It\u2019s not something that should be sniffed at.\u201d<\/p>\n McGregor\u2019s season in numbers<\/p>\n Even if you take into account the drama off the pitch, and Celtic\u2019s AGM being cancelled<\/a> last week.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Hoops needed to make more noise on the pitch, and whilst it looked like the game in Paisley was heading towards a draw.<\/p>\n