CHRIS SUTTON reckons the Celtic hierarchy cannot dismiss the recent comments from Callum McGregor.
The 32-year-old much-decorated captain spoke openly and candidly about the club and the future plans of the Hoops’ powerbrokers, as CQN reported.
It’s clear all has not been well at the champions this season which has seen a managerial merry-go-round with Brendan Rodgers, Wilfried Nancy and Martin O’Neill involved from October onwards
Long-term injuries to key players such as Alistair Johnston, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Filipe Jota have not helped the situation and the fans have not been slow to display their displeasure at performances and the lack of genuine quality being brought to Parkhead in the past three transfer windows.
McGregor had his say and former goal hero Sutton said: “He laid down the gauntlet to the club’s board, saying he wants to remain at the club for the rest of his career, but on the condition they match his ambitions for Celtic.
LEADERSHIP QUALITIES…Callum McGregor cajoles his Celtic team-mates.
“That sounds eerily close to what Brendan Rodgers said last summer – and look what happened there.
“McGregor wasn’t ranting or raving, or being caught off guard by reporters trying to tempt him into saying something controversial.
“This is a player who has grown up at Celtic, risen from the youth set-up to the first team and then the captaincy.
“This is not some kid who is going to trip himself up. McGregor knew exactly what he wanted to say and he said it.
“The part that I found most interesting was about holding everyone at the club to account, from the football department to those running the show.
“The message couldn’t be clearer. There’s also the situation around the manager. McGregor didn’t say there can’t be a repeat of the Wilfried Nancy scenario – but he didn’t have to.
“He was talking about his own future, but this is about the future of the club and the direction it’s going. And the board should take heed.”
CAPITAL PUNISHMENT…Callum McGregor, flanked by Arne Engels and Colby Donovan, can’t hide his disappointment after the 3-1 loss to Hearts at Tynecastle in October.
Sutton, speaking to the Daily Record, continued: “McGregor hit the nail on the head when he admitted even a double this season wouldn’t paper over the cracks and lessons had to be learned,
“He has to be around to see it as well though. McGregor’s interview left the door open to an exit, but Celtic should be making sure he stays.
“There’s been a lot of nonsense spoken about him in recent weeks, about being over the hill or on the wane.
“Yes, he might not be at the very top of his form, but he has been carrying a knock and has still only missed a handful of games.
“It’s only because he’s set such a high bar with his performances that it gets noticed when they dip slightly.
“Don’t forget, he’s also playing in team that’s hardly vintage. Anyone would struggle in this side and rivals know if they mark McGregor they can stop Celtic.
“It’s a back-handed compliment, but there’s no-one else to step up and dominate like he does. As for calls to drop him – who comes in? It’s a genuine question because I don’t see a replacement.
“I’m convinced McGregor still has plenty to offer next season and beyond.”
The one-time England international striker added: “I still think it’s a tall order to pull off the Premiership title.
“I have taken some stick for my predictions in Record Sport this week, with the suggestion Celtic will struggle in the post-split fixtures.
TRUE GRIT…Callum McGregor challenges for the ball at Tannadice.
“But I’m only being honest and basing it on what I’ve seen this season. We know goals have been a problem – as well as clean sheets – but they have to hope the four-goal burst in extra-time against St Mirren has given the confidence a shot in the arm.
“Celtic are at the stage they need to throw the shackles off and go for it. They couldn’t have asked for a better start to the run-in with Falkirk suffering a hugely disappointing Scottish Cup defeat to Dunfermline.
“But the rest of the games look fraught with danger and I have my doubts they have enough to come through it on top.
“They are still in there fighting and deserve credit for the resilience shown despite the lack of quality.
“And given the way this season has gone, they might even get over the line.
“But in the bigger picture, McGregor’s message has to hit home higher up, because this is a man who knows what he is talking about.”
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