Callum McGregor Fitness Update

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has provided an update on the fitness and condition of his captain Callum McGregor.

The key midfielder recently spent a lengthy time out between the end of February and the beginning of April but as the weeks have progressed since the most recent Glasgow derby, he has played more and more.

His first start since his return came last week but he didn’t look particularly up to speed.

Despite this, Rodgers has admitted that his fitness is continually developing ahead of six crucial Games that will define the Celts’ season.

He said: [Celtic FC on YouTube] “I think the plan with Callum wasn’t to chuck him in. We know how important he is but you have to also look after him as well and manage his minutes, and that’s what we’ve been looking at doing.

“He’s looking like he’s getting up to speed. He was out for a long time before the Rangers Game and came in had only had a couple of days training. So he did so well to even make that Game.

“I see him every day in training and he’s looking much sharper and brighter. His fitness is really coming on.”

Everyone knows how key McGregor is to Celtic when he is fully fit and firing but at times like last weekend when he appears somewhat jaded, his impact dwindles.

If his fitness progresses over the coming weeks, though, he will be a crucial player for his side in some critical matches.

Tomoki Iwata has been a more than able deputy, but the pair are contrasting players, with the former Yokohama F. Marinos man a much more defensively sound option who keeps things simple.

McGregor offers more in terms of energy and on-the-ball capabilities, but he can leave the back door open at times compared to Iwata.

This is something for Rodgers to consider when picking who to play at the base of midfield but one assumes the captain will be first-choice when he is fully up and running.