Is Callum McGregor a Celtic legend in the making?

Call McGregor has quickly solidified himself as one of the top men on the club. But is he a Celtic legend in the making?

Celtic’s Callum McGregor has been in the news for all the right reasons over the last few days. Does what he has to say and how others have recognised his importance on the pitch and off it mean he is on his way to be a true Celtic legend?

Let’s start with his 27th Birthday on Sunday June 14, 2020. He talked to Celtic’s own media team about how he was loving being back at training with other players and preparing for the new season. But also took time to reflect on his progress coming through the club academy as a young kid to where he is now.

He is a great example of how a spell on loan can really help a young players development. Regular and  competitive appearances at Notts County back in 2013 helped him break through to the Celtic first team; where he is now very much a first team regular and essential pick. 

From his scoring debut in a European game in Iceland in 2014 he’s made 275 appearances which have brought him 6 league titles, 4 league cups, 3 Scottish cups, 49 goals and possibly surprisingly, only 18 Scotland caps. A remarkable record indeed and one he is very pleased with.

"“I feel that I’ve progressed well in my career from my early days into where I am now.”“To be so lucky and fortunate to make nearly 300 appearances, and hopefully many more, then I think myself very, very lucky and it’s something that I can cherish.”"

Back in late May McGregor delighted fans via the Daily Record when asked if he was staying for the 10-in-a-row challenge this coming season:

"“Absolutely. I am loving my Celtic career and it seems to be going from strength to strength.”“I signed a long-term deal last year. That’s what I wanted, that’s what the club wanted.”"

He admitted the interest from Leicester and their manager was flattering but it hasn’t turned his head and he stepped up superbly in the last season to show it hasn’t affected him adversely. If anything he was stronger as a result.

That fits very well with this sensible, level headed Celtic loving player who has come through the ranks to his successful position today as a first team regular.  Is there more to come from him?. The legend word can be bandied around very loosely these days, perhaps McGregor is very much on the right road for that status in the future.

Scott Brown, again in the Daily Record,  spoke of his appreciation and respect for McGregor, his vice captain at the club. Brown talked about the impact McGregor has had alongside him and how he has relied on his vice captain over recent weeks.

"“When we were dealing with stuff when this [Covid-19 closure of football] all began to happen, he was my go-to man. He came up with a lot of things and has helped me out with a lot of the lads as well.”"

Broony went on to reference occasions where he watched and listened to McGregor as stand in skipper, noting how well he speaks to the players in the dressing room. And he recognised McGregor’s growth in that respect.

"“When he talks before games now, all of the lads listen.”“It’s the mark of a captain that he can easily fall into that role.”“In the last year and a half I’d say, he’s got that proper willingness, drive and self-belief.“"

Is this where we see McGregor step up further? Perhaps he is the most obvious and natural leader to replace Scott Brown in his skipper role. It’s a critical role to fill at any club, Celtic especially. Broony is a hard act to follow, but this is a player he clearly has respect for and is helping him build leadership skills. 

McGregor when you look at his record, could become a legend purely on his growing importance on match days on the pitch. But if he can link that with becoming captain in seasons ahead then he could very well deserve that status.