Callum McGregor has made it perfectly clear that he’ll be part of next season’s Celtic rebuild.
Over the last four years the midfielder has watched his Invincible team-mates move on for a variety reasons with just three matches before the unthinkable- Scott Brown being unveiled as an Aberdeen player.
McGregor wasn’t in Brendan Rodgers’ initial plans but halfway through his first season he had nailed down a place in central midfield as an incredible season unfolded.
Alongside James Forrest it looks like McGregor will be the only survivor from that era but it seems that the 27-year-old has no desire to join his former team-mates scattered mainly across the English game.
Discussing facing Brown as an Aberdeen player next season McGregor told the Daily Record:
He will be the one kicking me! It will be strange but interesting to go up against him. He and I have always been partners in there and I am looking forward to the challenge. I am sure he will as well. It is a new chapter for him.
He has been an unbelievable captain for Celtic, a huge leader and presence. Aberdeen will be gaining a real good one. I am looking forward to it.
Whoever becomes the next Celtic manager will be relieved to hear that McGregor is thinking of the challenges the club faces next season.
Although he hasn’t hit the same heights as last season there are a number of factors involved in that but no one inside the game has any doubts about the class and ability that McGregor brings to the team.