Callum McGregor

Callum, obviously he's had a similar week to last week, and we'll make a decision on him tomorrow



We were just speaking to Callum there, and he was talking about the fact that he'll train with the squad tomorrow, see if there's any reaction there, he's willing to play through the pain barrier. Are these the types of games that you maybe do take more of a risk when it comes to players and whether they're available or not?

You always have to manage and weigh up the risk because of what's left in your season as well.

But listen, we've played without Callum this season before at various times and done very well.

But of course, someone of his significance and someone who provides the tactical balance in our team, of course, I will wait until the very last moment to see if he's ready.

But like I said, it's following the same sort of pattern as last week, and Callum came in, played 75 minutes and was brilliant last weekend.

So we'll see tomorrow.

His leadership skills and his experience in this fixture as well are always key, aren't they?

Yeah, they always are. He's been absolutely outstanding in all the games I can remember that I've played.

He's a fantastic player.

 

If he's not fully fit he shouldn't be starting.. Engels can play that role with mccowan playing with hatate or even bring Taylor in and move schlupp to midfield.

 

Said in the match thread, obviously want Callum fit..

But, I'm intrigued to see how Engels performs in that role v them..and I'm sure McCowan would love a start v them too.

 

I disagree, if he feels he can start you start him. He has dominated the majority of derbies and the adrenaline will carry him for the first half.

Was it not a calf issue that was plaguing him last year too?

 

Agreed. Plus with the schedule now till the end of season giving us plenty of breaks there is time to rest McGregor in there. Probably doesn't last the 90 but I would be surprised if he doesn't start.

 

Did he train today?

 

He has/had a fitness test today and a decision to be made then.

 

Wouldn’t move Schlupp for Taylor. That would be arguably weakening 2 positions rather than one. Think McCowan would be fired up after that wee * patted his head last time.

 

I wouldn't move schlupp but if McGregor isn't fully fit It wouldn't surprise me if Brendan later in the game brings Taylor on and put schlupp into the middle. This is if McGregor doesn't play any part in the game.

 

I wouldn’t risk him if he’s not 100% tbh.

 

Is bernardo.fit.again ??

 

So a 'decide on the day' type arrangement?

 

No. Rodgers said he'd not be fit for this game last week I'm pretty sure.

 

Want callum to start even if 80 percent fit

 

I don't, if there are any doubts about his fitness at all he shouldn't start.

For one, you know Bawbag will be telling their players to go right through him early on.

For another we need more speed and mobility in the midfield against them and he was already looking a bit ponderous, which will only be more obvious if he's not at peak fitness.

And lastly there is no point risking him making it worse and potentially being out for the rest of the season when we are so far ahead in the league. Yes it would be * if we lose, but the league is done even if they win (which I can't see happening even without him), but the treble isn't and having our captain, who has never lost a final, playing in the cup is more important I feel.

 

I genuinely don't think Engles has the right mentality for that role against the huns as I don't think he has properly adapted to the hustle and bustle of the Scottish game yet. It's ok moving him into that role in the latter stages of a game against the likes of St Mirren or Hibs but definitely wouldn't start him there against the huns

 

As per BBC: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/teams/celtic

(Have to scroll down to the entry from yesterday, 14 March @ 15.43, from Rodgers press conference...)

Captain Callum McGregor will be assessed on Saturday morning having missed team training on Friday. Liam Scales is out with a cheekbone issue that could require surgery and Paulo Bernardo remains sidelined.

McGregor will be given every opportunity to prove his fitness given his "significance" and the "tactical balance" he provides.

 

I was replying to a question on Bernardo.

 

Oh, sorry.

 

No problem @Taz .