Three-in-one Callum McGregor is ready to take one for the team, again, in Leipzig on Thursday night.
Normally a utility player is someone that gets slotted around various positions because they’d never be a first pick in any particular position.
McGregor isn’t that damned with faint praise utility man.
Starting wide left against Hibs on Saturday he drifts inside smartly to allow Kieran Tierney to tear down the flank.
When Scott Brown was injured he moved effortlessly into the centre of the park alongside Olivier Ntcham before taking on the ‘Rogic Role’ with Eboue Kouassi taking on the deeper role.
The Celtic skipper is looking doubtful for Thursday’s match in Germany, after lasting just 20 minutes after a three week absence there must also be a doubt over whether he’ll be fit for the Betfred Cup semi with Hearts at Tynecastle.
Whatever the formation or alternatives it’s a cert that McGregor will be in at the thick end of the action and a key player in the plans of his manager.
“It’s a big job, because Broony’s played it so well every week for so many years,” the 24-year-old told The Sun about his likely role in Germany.
“But I enjoy it whenever I’m asked to take over the role, I’m always trying to learn from him and it’s about what’s best for the team.
“You get loads of touches on the ball in there, you start the play and you have to be more disciplined. Ideally I prefer being further forward, but it’s not a big issue dropping back and letting the headlines go.
“Nobody wants to think about life after Broony, but if you can’t learn off him every day while he’s here you’re really missing something.”
Celtic will find out later today the chances of Brown and Griffiths being involved on Thursday against RB Leipzig.
Last September McGregor signed a new contract that runs through until 2021.
