Rodgers delighted to rekindle one very special relationship

Barely a fortnight after Scotland’s rain-soaked win over Georgia Callum McGregor has checked back in to Lennoxtown.

A lot has happened since the squad went through their paces to prepare for the Scottish Cup Final but the captain is a consistent factor throughout changing times at Lennoxtown.

Back in 2016 the Academy graduate had to battle his way into Brendan Rodgers’ side with Nir Bitton the early partner for Scott Brown as the squad was revived on the back of a couple of harrowing cup defeats and back to back failures to reach the Champions League.

Like Tom Rogic, James Forrest, Mikael Lustig and others the former Liverpool boss got McGregor to fulfil his potential as a new benchmark was set in Scottish football.

Seven years on McGregor has a much different role but a meeting in Mallorca with the incoming boss laid out the groundwork for what looks like a very effective leadership relationship.

I spoke to them all this morning so great to see them back. Callum, I know, from my previous time here. I am so happy he is here, captain and thriving in the role. He is an outstanding captain for me. I knew Mikey (Johnston), the rest of the guys it was great to meet them for the first time.

We had a really strong relationship the last time I was here. I’ve seen him grow, I’ve seen his personality grow on the field and he was very much beside Scott Brown in my first time here. Just to see him continue to grow and evolve, and now being the great ambassador he is for the club as well as player, I’m really proud to see that development.

So I’m really looking forward to working with Cal. He’s a brilliant player, he communicates so well for the club, for his team-mates and I have to say he was one of the big reasons for coming back.

When I had the lunch with him and we spoke about Celtic, I could see the determination in his eyes to keep achieving and that made me really think about going back to help him and support the team because that’s why we all exist.

We all exist here at Celtic to help the players achieve and when they achieve, then the supporters are happy.