This could have been an ugly week for Celtic.
After losing to Hearts and falling eight points behind the Premiership leaders at the time, Brendan Rodgers’ abrupt exit then made matters worse, as well as Dermot Desmond’s brutal statement.
That’s when you need the leaders to step up, and Celtic are thankful that they have Callum McGregor donning the captain’s armband.
That was proven when Celtic knocked 10-man Rangers out of the League Cup on Sunday, and McGregor netted the crucial goal in extra time.
Callum McGregor speaks to the media before Celtic’s Premier Sports Cup semi-final game against Rangers
Credit: YouTube/Celtic TVSteven Davis lauds ‘top player’ Callum McGregor after Celtic beat Rangers
Steven Davis would have had many great battles against McGregor, as a Rangers player, and following the conclusion of Sunday’s semi-final, he showcased his class.
Speaking to Premier Sports, the former midfielder stated that one of Celtic’s most decorated players of all time has been a ‘top player for a long time.’
Davis noted how the champions of Scotland played with ‘real intensity’, as they booked their League Cup final ticket against St Mirren.
“He has been a top player for a long time,” said Davis. “He is a big influence on the team as well. He had a big impact on the game against Rangers.
“I thought Celtic started the game with real intensity, in terms of their pressure – the big moments in the game, they came up with the answers.”
McGregor’s Celtic career in numbers
Nobody would have ever thought that O’Neill and McGregor would work together, but a dream partnership has emerged.
O’Neill is perhaps the greatest manager in Celtic’s modern history, and McGregor is one of the club’s best-ever players.
You just wonder, with the Irishman holding the fort alongside Shaun Maloney, if they stay on until December and for the League Cup final because they can win a trophy together.
McGregor’s games for Celtic: 536Goals: 76Assists: 80Trophies: 24