Opinion: Celtic need to make bold Callum McGregor decision next season

Callum McGregor has played an awful lot of football for Celtic over the past few seasons. Last season – 2021/22 – he played 52 games, which is a high number of games by most players’ standards.

The Hoops skipper played 49 games in season 2020/21, and prior to that, in season 2019/20 he played 52 games, and it would have been more if not for the pandemic stopping the season early. Finally, in season 2018/19 he played a remarkable 59 games. 

Taking the last four seasons into account, the Celtic captain has played an average of 53 games per season, which is an awful lot of football.

It is testament to McGregor’s fitness and importance to the side that he has played so many games for the Bhoys, but there has to be a concern that playing so much football will eventually catch up with the 28-year-old.

That is why Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou should make a bold decision next season and limit the player’s game time when possible.

Due to the unusual schedule of next season – there is a break in the middle of the season for the World Cup – the Hoops will be playing a lot of football in a short period, especially in the Champions League.

That means that for McGregor to have a big impact for the Hoops in the Champions League group stages – which he will have to do if the Bhoys are to do well in the competition – then the Celtic boss may need to make the bold decision of keeping his captain on the bench for some league games.

McGregor probably wouldn’t like that, as you can tell that he loves to play football, for both Celtic and Scotland. However, it will do him good in the short and long run to be rested for some games next season.

Celtic could sign another midfielder to feature in the side whilst McGregor is being rested, or the