Callum McGregor’s Brilliant Unseen Arne Engels Intervention

Arne Engels made his first Celtic start memorable, scoring his debut goal for the club in a 2-0 win over Hearts.

The Belgian coolly converted a penalty in front of a packed Celtic Park, slotting the ball into the bottom corner with ease. However, it may not have happened without the intervention of Celtic captain Callum McGregor.

After the penalty was awarded via VAR for a handball by Hearts’ James Penrice, Reo Hatate initially picked up the ball, seemingly ready to take the spot-kick.

But McGregor stepped in, our onsite reporter saw the Celtic captain instructing that Engels should be the one to take it, giving the young midfielder a chance to mark his debut start with a goal. Hatate, ever the team player, handed the ball over, and Engels made no mistake, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.

This moment not only gave Engels his first goal but also showcased McGregor’s leadership and trust in his teaMMAtes.

It’s a significant move for Celtic, who have struggled in the past to find a consistent penalty taker, often changing between players throughout seasons due to missed chances.

Engels’ confident finish may offer Celtic the reliable option they’ve been searching for, with fans hopeful he can take on the responsibility regularly.

His goal helped secure three points and extend Celtic’s unbeaten start to the league, but it also hinted at what could be a long-term solution for Celtic’s penalty-taking woes.