Callum McGregor takes the Celtic plaudits from Ange as 'outstanding leader' closes in on Scott Brown's tally

Ange Postecoglou reckons serial winner Callum McGregor is well on the way to filling the success-laden boots of predecessor Scott Brown.

The 29-year-old extended his astonishing cup final record on Sunday as the Hoops’ 2-1 Viaplay Cup victory over Rangers made it 11 played and 11 won for the midfielder. One of Postecoglou ’s first big decisions when taking over as boss in the summer of 2021 was deciding who should take the armband following Brown’s exit.

McGregor was the obvious choice and he’s repaid the Aussie’s faith by now delivering two cups and a league title in just 18 months. The Scotland ace now sits on 17 major honours with Celtic - five short of Broonie’s total. And when it was put to Postecoglou that his captain is a repeat winner he said: “Yeah he is and it’s a credit to him and his family.

“When you’re part of a winning team it gives you belief and confidence that you can go there again and do it again. But to do it as a leader adds an extra dimension.

“He’s followed a fantastic skipper in Scott Brown and I’m sure he saw how he dealt with success, which is important. It’s not just about attaining success, it’s about what you do when you have the success.

“You can see with Callum that he’s still very, very measured in the way he embraces what comes his way. He understands that his role in it is to be the leader of a collective effort and to never allow himself or the group to get too far ahead of themselves.

“That’s the most pleasing thing for me. I said after his 400th game that he trains every day like he’s got something to prove and I’ve got no doubt that’s what he’ll come in and do today. That’s a hallmark for me of an outstanding leader.”

READ NEXT