'Irreplaceable' Callum McGregor needs Celtic care plan as Brendan Rodgers issued title panic prevention measures

Gordon Strachan reckons Brendan Rodgers should be tucking Callum McGregor into bed every night to ensure he leads Celtic’s fight to stave off Rangers.

The former Parkhead boss says Daizen Maeda’s bold title prediction means there are no fears around his old club over a resurgent Ibrox title charge. But Strachan does admit the Hoops’ calm mindset could switch to Parkhead panic if the “irreplaceable” McGregor is suddenly removed from the furious battle.

For the very first time this season, Rodgers’ side do not hold a points advantage over their biggest rivals at the top of the table. Victory over Ross County in midweek has seen the Light Blues draw level on points with the defending champions. Celtic still lead by virtue of scoring four more goals but it’s now on a knife-edge with a 13-game sprint now left for the flag. Maeda is still of the belief that his team will go on to claim the crown and Strachan is adamant that’s a good sign of composure within the group as opposed to any show of arrogance.

But the ex-Scotland manager also knows the scenario is tight and could be altered dramatically if McGregor is ripped out of the firing line. Strachan said: “Celtic can handle the absences of every single player apart from one man – Callum McGregor. He is irreplaceable. If he got injured, I would be worried. If I was a Celtic fan, I’d be worried about keeping McGregor fit for the remainder of the season.”

Celtic lost McGregor for a three-month period last season when the captain was struck down by a knee injury during a Champions League game against RB Leipzig. Aaron Mooy stepped into the position and was superb alongside Matt O’Riley and Reo Hatate as Ange Postecoglou’s team didn’t drop a single Premiership point in the time of