Callum McGregor has spoken out after being compared to Joe Allen by Brendan Rodgers.
The 23-year-old has had an increasing influence on the team this season, making 37 appearances for the Irishman who has transformed the hoops.
McGregor was given his big chance by Ronny Deila but has developed his game under Rodgers, earning the respect and trust of his boss.
After Celtic clinched the title against Hearts, Rodgers highlighted the contribution of McGregor with the midfielder pleased to be mentioned in top company.
“It was nice to get that Joe Allen comparison from the boss,” McGregor told The Sun. “He is a great player and has been in the Premier League for a long time.
“For the manager to say that was brilliant. Joe Allen has gone for a lot of money in his career and to be compared to him is special but I need to keep my head down. The way the manager spoke about me, he described my game pretty well.”
With Tom Rogic coming back to full fitness and Eboue Kouassi being nurtured towards the first XI McGregor faces strong competition for a place in the side as the season reaches a critical.
Next Sunday at Ross County Rodgers is expected to field close to his strongest side ahead of the back-to-back clashes with Sevco that will go a long way to deciding how successful the season becomes.