‘I WELCOME MIDFIELD COMPETITION,’ CALMAC

CALLUM McGREGOR welcomes the fact Brendan Rodgers is looking for more creative players for the Celtic midfield.

The Hoops boss has been scouring the market during this transfer window in his search for quality performers.

Stuart Armstrong has just undergone a hernia operation and Tom Rogic is likely to be ruled out until March through injury while Liam Hendesrson has joined Serie B outfit Bari.

That has accelerated Rodgers’ search for reinforcements in the team’s engine room.

McGregor said: “I think every season I’ve been here they have signed a midfielder, either attacking or defensive.

“That’s just part of life of being at a big club. You have to keep going and keep proving yourself.

“I feel when the manager sets up his team, he likes a bit of everything in the middle.

“We have chipped in with goals and assists and it’s very much a team game.”

Following the much-needed three-week breather, a punishing schedule will now continue with a trip for face Partick Thistle at Firhill tomorrow night after the 5-0 Scottish Cup win over Brechin City at the weekend.

McGregor believes a run of 10 wins on the bounce on the back of last winter’s break is proof they can click back into gear.

The 24-year-old Scotland international plamaker said: “It was massive for us last year and that is the aim this time to kick on in the league and the Cup and try to put a run together.

“We’re used to two or three games a week. Now we are fresh and ready to go and enjoy the challenge.

“You could see throughout the team that freshness is back.”

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