CALLUM McGREGOR would have been one of the first Celtic players in for training this morning, broken nose or not.
That’s the firm assertion of boss Ange Postecoglou after his influential captain took a sore one in the 3-0 win over Livingston at Parkhead last night.
Play had to be held up while McGregor received treatment for a facial knock. Blood seeped from the wound as the midfielder was forced to go off to recover and change some of his stained playing kit.
THE WAY AHEAD…captain courageous Callum McGregor will be ready for his 402nd Celtic appearance against St Johnstone on Sunday.
However, the 29-year-old Scotland international anchorman swiftly returned to action to again play his part as the champions racked up another victory to maintain their nine-point advantage at the Premiership pinnacle as they zero in on their second successive title.
It was the visitors who were left groggy and facing a knock-out as the hosts raced to a three-goal half-time lead through goals from Greg Taylor, Daizen Maeda and Kyogo Furuhashi.
Postecoglou was concerned when his pivotal player – who suffered a fractured cheekbone in the Scottish Cup-tie at Alloa in January last year – hit the deck – hit the deck.
HELPING HAND…Ange Postecoglou adds his encouragement to McGregor and Co in the win over Livingston.
The Hoops gaffer, speaking to the Daily Record, said: “Was I worried? I am worried about all of them, mate. I love them all the same.
“I don’t want any of them to get hurt. But we realised fairly early that he had got a bang on the nose and a bit of blood was coming out.
“It was nothing to worry about, though, he was fine. Was it broken? I didn’t ask him, I wouldn’t ask him.
“If he did, he would be up there tomorrow for training, no problem.”
McGregor made way in the 85th minute to allow new Bhoy Tomoki Iwata to get another stretch of his legs at Parkhead.
However, it was nothing more than a precaution and the team’s onfield leader will again be in position when the champions take on St Johnstone in Perth on Sunday at midday.
THREE CHEERS FOR RELENTLESS CHAMPS
