Celtic midfielder Callum McGregor has recently returned from injury and looks set to be relied upon during the run-in by Brendan Rodgers.
The Hoops captain has made 38 appearances in all competitions this campaign, registering two goals and five assists [Transfermarkt].
Following a period on the sidelines, where he missed four games in total, plus Scotland’s international friendlies in March, Rodgers has managed his game time. McGregor came off the bench against Rangers at Ibrox and in our 3-0 victory over St Mirren last weekend.
Containing his minutes may prove wise for the Irishman, who knows how important his leadership qualities will be in the final stretch of the season as we aim for a Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup double.
Tomoki Iwata has deputised adequately in holding midfield during his absence; meanwhile, Paulo Bernardo can also add a different dimension to the engine room.
Nevertheless, McGregor is the man who makes Celtic tick, and his presence is needed if we are to have a successful end to a rollercoaster of a season.
Mark Guidi on Callum McGregor potentially starting this weekend
This weekend, Celtic make the short trip to Hampden, where they face Aberdeen in the semi-final of the Scottish Cup, with a place in the final two at stake against one of Heart of Midlothian or Rangers on May 25th.
In light of our upcoming post-split fixtures, journalist Mark Guidi has run the rule over whether he believes McGregor will be fit to start at the national stadium, factoring in his circumstances.
He stated [Go Radio Football Show]: “He came back into the squad against Rangers, he came off the bench, it was his pass across the field that led to one of Rangers’ goals, but apparently he’s ahead of schedule.
“We said on Friday night that he would be on the bench on Saturday, he would come on. I think there’s more of a chance that he would start on Saturday against Aberdeen, but they won’t want to risk it.
“With the greatest of respect to the Scottish Cup, the focus is the five league games. It’s doing what’s best for Callum McGregor to be at his optimum for the first game after the split.”
Celtic should only start Callum McGregor if he is fully fit
Guidi has a point, and Celtic should only risk McGregor from the start if they feel he can navigate proceedings without any major issues.
Iwata has enjoyed a prominent run in the side and is there if need be, easing our worries over the holding midfield position.
McGregor will be required as we look to get the Scottish Premiership title over the line, and we don’t want to jeopardise his chances of playing a major role during the league run-in.