After sealing Celtic’s third title in a row this season, Brendan Rodgers can now plan to build the side this summer now that he knows he has millions of pounds of Champions League money coming his way.
The Celtic boss has bemoaned the lack of quality in squad depth after a summer transfer window that saw many of the new recruits struggle to stake a regular claim in Rodgers’ side.
However, what the Hoops boss has done is improve the players that he does have and, ultimately, that was enough to get this season’s title over the line.
Liam Scales, Matt O’Riley and Joe Hart have all enjoyed some superb form under Rodgers. But it was none of these players who Pat Bonner believes that the Celtic manager does not get enough credit for improving this season.
Rodgers hailed for Celtic captain’s performances
During Brendan Rodgers. first spell as the Celtic manager, McGregor made 46 appearances in the Invincibles side.
Rodgers utilised McGregor in various positions which sometimes included the full-back, wings and various midfield areas. [Transfermarkt]
During Ange Postecoglou’s time at the club, the Celtic captain was mainly used in the number eight role at the club but Bonner believes that Rodgers deserves enormous credit for being the first manager to play him there and improve the 32-year-old in that area of the team.
Bonner said [BBC Radio Scotland], “I’ll tell you what, Brendan Rodgers takes a lot of credit for actually putting him into that position, that deeper position, and creating almost a playmaker out of him.
“Because let’s think about that. He started off almost a right winger and then he went off on loan, learning about the game a little bit more.
“But I think when he went into that holding midfield position that’s when you have seen the real influence of him and the best of his qualities.”
With Celtic now looking forward to the Scottish Cup final against Rangers on Saturday, the fans will be hoping that McGregor will put in another vintage performance to lift the cup.
And if the Celtic captain does, he will lift his 22nd major trophy with Celtic making him one of the most decorated players in the club’s history.