CALLUM McGREGOR will lead out Celtic against Motherwell at Fir Park this afternoon as he makes an extraordinary 500th appearance for the champions.
The team’s 31-year-old onfield leader has been resilient over the years after being introduced to the first team by Ronny Deila as a 21-year-old prospect for a European tie against FK Reykjavik in July 2014.
With the immaculate timing that has been evident throughout his career, McGregor claimed the only goal of the game.
TWO OF A KIND…captain Callum McGregor and manager Brendan Rodgers proudly hold aloft the newly-won Premier Sports League Cup after the thrilling penalty-kick shoot-out success over Ibrox opposition at Hampden in December.
Now, 499 outings later, Celtic’s Marathon Man is set to hit a praiseworthy landmark as he takes his place in the middle of the midfield for another crucial confrontation for the champions as they aim for their fourth successive title, their thirteenth flag in 14 years and their 55th crown in their glorious history.
McGregor has more than played his part in the club’s haul of fame and Brendan Rodgers is wholesome in his praise of the inspirational performer.
The Celtic boss said: “He clearly had the talent as a young player to be at Celtic.
“But it tells you absolutely everything about his professionalism, his commitment, his quality and the example that he sets every single day of his life.
“Seeing him now, to when I first came, and just seeing that growth, it’s a remarkable achievement in the position he plays, with possibility of so many good players to be in here – to play that number of games.”
A GEE-UP…Callum McGregor in familiar pose as he encourages his team-mates.
Rodgers, speaking to Celtic TV, added: “I’m so proud of seeing how his career’s moved from when he first broke into the team, and from 2016 when I came in, just seeing how he was back then, to how he leads the team.
“So, I’m so lucky to have him as a captain here and he’s still got a number of years left.”
For the game against manageress Motherwell, who parted company with Stuart Kettlewell earlier in the week and will have Steven Frail in charge on this occasion, the Hoops gaffer confirmed Cameron Carter-Vickers is likely to play after missing out against Aston Villa in midweek.
Comeback Bhoy Filipe Jota, returning to the club after an absence of 18 months, is in line for a second debut after being included in the matchday squad.
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