The Callum McGregor non negotiable in Rangers fitness race as Celtic captain told why he WON'T make Ibrox

Concerned Chris Sutton has warned Celtic captain Callum McGregor that if he is "half-fit" then he should not play against Rangers.

Manager Brendan Rodgers has revealed his skipper has a “very good chance" of being ready for the derby crunch having missed the last four games due to injury, while John Kennedy stated that the Celtic midfielder is scheduled for a training return this week ahead of the team’s trip across Glasgow. With Reo Hatate also making a return Kennedy was hopeful of another lift for the Parkhead dressing room before the crucial clash in the Scottish Premiership title race.

But Sutton has advised a more cautious approach with one of the Old Firm sides set to take a major step towards lifting the silverware in May if they can claim all three points. He insists Rodgers shouldn't even consider McGregor if he is not up to full speed.

He told Sky Sports: “It’s a case of how fit Callum McGregor is. If he’s been sitting on a bike in a gym for five or six weeks, it’s not quite the same as training so how much work he does this week is key.

“Brendan Rodgers will have a decision to make and Celtic are a better team with McGregor in it. But if he’s not fit, or even half-fit, then he can’t play.

“But it’s a big boost for Celtic having Reo Hatate back with him coming through against Livingston, plus Cameron Carter-Vickers too.”