Martin O'Neill Advocates for Callum McGregor's Continued Role at Celtic
Martin O'Neill has emphatically stated that it is essential for Callum McGregor to remain a cornerstone of a new-look Celtic side next season. The manager has backed the captain to rediscover his peak form following a prolonged rest period, highlighting McGregor's leadership and on-field qualities as invaluable assets for the club.
McGregor's Fitness and Future Speculation
McGregor is fit to feature in Sunday's Scottish Cup semi-final against St Mirren at Hampden, though his minutes may need careful management due to a muscular injury. Set to turn 33 in June, the midfielder was linked with a January move to Saudi Arabia to reunite with former Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers at Al Qadsiah. Despite staying put, speculation persists over his long-term future, with his contract running until 2028 and a major squad overhaul anticipated this summer.
O'Neill, however, believes any manager overseeing the rebuild would be foolish to consider moving McGregor on. "From my time here, which has not been that long, I would think that the football club, it's in their interest to keep him," he asserted. "He's a really good leader. In the dressing room he's really good, but on the field he keeps things moving along and is a good leader there too. Players look to him as well, we all do."
McGregor's Legacy and Summer Rest
With 10 league titles, six Scottish Cups, and eight League Cups, McGregor stands as one of the most decorated players in Celtic's history. Having retired from international duty two years ago, he will enjoy a summer break while Scotland competes in the World Cup in the USA. O'Neill views this rest as crucial for McGregor's preparation for what would be his 13th season as a first-team player.
"I bet you there would have been in the past opportunities for him to have left and earned more money elsewhere," O'Neill added. "That speaks volumes for a lad who's got lots of loyalty. But it's not the loyalty — lots of people can have loyalty and not be able to play. He can do that. He's played a lot of games here this season. I think if he could get a proper rest in the summer, he'd be raring to go again."
O'Neill's Perspective on Past Decisions
O'Neill also addressed his own situation, expressing no bitterness over being denied the chance to manage Celtic in the League Cup final against St Mirren in December. After leading the team to a semi-final victory over Rangers, the board appointed Wilfried Nancy, who was dismissed after just 33 days following a final loss. "That's probably true, really, at the time," O'Neill said when reminded he had secretly wanted to take charge. "But I think the club had gone down, a long way down, with Wilfried at the time. So, I kind of understood that. It was just a rather selfish thought at the time."
Now back for a second stint this season, O'Neill is focused on the upcoming semi-final. "I'm looking forward to it, I really am. I thought that the last time I was there would have been the last time. But now I've got an opportunity for a semi-final."
Team News and Defensive Adjustments
In team news, Alistair Johnston and Callum Osmand trained this week but are more likely to be available for next week's league match against Falkirk. With Liam Scales suspended, O'Neill is reshuffling his defence. "I've got two right-footers as well, so Auston Trusty will move over to the left-hand side," he explained. "But I've got lots of confidence in Benjamin Arthur and Dane Murray."
O'Neill concluded by reiterating his confidence in McGregor's enduring value. "I would be surprised if any manager stepped in here and did not like his qualities both as a leader and as a player," he stated, underscoring the captain's integral role in Celtic's future plans.
