Callum McGregor

Proper Celtic captain, just like the leader before him.

 

Legend.

 

Gutted for him it wasn’t a result for us more than anything, because that might be one of the best performances I’ve seen from any of our players at this level. Two guys on that pitch were levels above everybody - Luka Modric and him. Unreal from him.

 

Lucky to have this man, rose to big occasion and lead by example throughout.

 

CALLUM MCGREGOR insists the performance against Real Madrid proves Celtic belong in the Champions League despite the scoreline.

The Celtic captain was one of a number of Celtic players close to opening the scoring in a dominant first period for the hosts before Real’s quality shone through in the second-half.






And despite the disappointment to go down to a 3-0 loss, McGregor is certain the performance shows what Celtic are capable of in Europe’s elite competition.

Speaking on BT Sport, McGregor explained: “It was really enjoyable.



Ultimately, we’re really disappointed to lose three goals at home but I think there was enough in the game to show that we definitely belong at this level.

“We took the game to Madrid for large parts of it. A little 10 or 15 minute spell we just lost concentration and you can see that’s why they’re the holders, they’ve got so much quality on the counter attack.

“We knew that and tried to limit that as much as we could but we felt at that point in the game we were on top and maybe were just a little bit naïve in terms of sticking to what we were doing.


“It was a great showing from the lads.”

McGregor’s first-half effort smashed the inside of the post as Celtic pressed for an opener and he admits he was certain it was in – but conceded the fine margins make all the difference at an elite level.

“I don’t know how it stayed out,” said the Celtic captain. “It was a good strike, big Giako (Giakoumakis) does well to hold it up and you just think when it clips the inside of the post it’s going in, but it wasn’t to be.

“We created some big chances and that’s probably the difference at this level, they get one clear cut chance and they take it.

“We probably had three or four good opportunities but we’ll learn from that and the boys can be proud of themselves in terms of the level of performance.”

 

Callum could have slotted into either team tonight and you wouldn't know.

 

Our best player on the night. So unlucky with his shot that hit the post, if that goes in it's a different game. We're lucky to have a player like him, outstanding captain.

 

He was absolutely excellent and handled Modric superbly, despite what some ‘fans’ are saying about the Croat.

 

Outstanding last night and showed he’s easily a top level player, his defensive covering was fantastic and won the ball back plenty. Then always looking for the forward pass and makes us tick so well.

He’s irreplaceable in this team.

 

Domestically when we are comfortable he is happy to sit back and control the game from deep, trusting the AMs to create and take the plaudits. It's probably why he is able to play 90 mins week in week without resembling a burst couch at the end of the season. But on big occasions like last night or when we went 0-1 down to them at Ibrox in April, when the team needs something extra he can switch it on in an instant and switch into beast mode. Such an unselfish player and a true leader.

 

Anyone know what wages he's on? Hope he earns much because he deserves it.

 

I think I saw 30K a week somewhere for last season. Our highest earner.

 

Earns every penny of it

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He’s done that as a winger, as an attacking midfielder, as a box to box midfielder and a holding midfielder tbf

 

Really surprised how well he played in that role last night. I know he does in week in, week out at domestic level but to put in that performance against the current European champions was fantastic. Hopefully get some time to rest this season as well with Mooy amd the big Dane able to play in there.

 

Thought he had a great game, but was more impressed by his post-match interviews. I never really saw CalMac as Celtic Capt material before, but he's convinced me. A leader on the pitch and an authoritative speaker.

 

We didn't lose because of him being the DM. I have to admit he played very well despite not being a typical destroyer, and had our best chance, when he found the time to get forward. Do want to see him at CM, still.

 

If he played in a top league,he would be a 50million pound player.

 

Impressive statistics.