Scott Brown pays Celtic tribute to Callum McGregor as he admits he saw success 'coming a mile off'

They say the shirt doesn’t shrink to fit inferior players.

But perhaps Jock Stein’s famous old quote can also be applied to Celtic ’s armband.

When Scott Brown called time on his glittering captaincy last summer, many wondered if Callum McGregor had the presence or the size of personality required to fill the gigantic void left behind by this shaven-headed force of nature.

Turns out they need not have worried. The man in the mask was voted Scotland’s player of the year by his peers on Sunday night, hours after leading his team to a draw on derby day - a result that has all but secured the reclamation of Brown’s favourite piece of silverware.

Nine times he claimed it over the course of 10 trophy-laden years.

So no one knows better than Brown how McGregor will feel when the crowning moment finally arrives.

He said: “I know how much it will mean to Cal when he walks out there to lift that trophy. It’s what he’s dreamt of doing since he was a kid.

“I know he’s had his hands on it before but he’s not been up there alone on that podium, lifting it by himself. Trust me, it’s a very special feeling.

“The best thing about it is the lads in that dressing room will be delighted for him and his family because that’s the level of respect he commands throughout the club.”

One more win over Hearts this weekend will unofficially seal the deal for Ange Postecoglou’ s side and fulfil McGregor’s childhood ambition.

A nine-point lead with a huge goal difference advantage means Celtic will not be caught by Rangers.

But while McGregor might still be pinching himself at the thought, Brown saw this moment coming from a long, long way off.

He said: “I honestly never had any doubts.

“Look, football is all about how hard you work in