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Brendan Rodgers: '˜Amazing' how Callum McGregor only has one Scotland cap

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers expressed amazement about Callum McGregor's solitary Scotland cap after the midfielder captained the Hoops in their goalless draw against St Johnstone on Sunday.
By The Newsroom
Published 19th Feb 2018, 10:37 BST
Updated 19th Feb 2018, 10:47 BST
Callum McGregor captained Celtic during their 0-0 draw with St Johnstone. Picture: SNS GroupCallum McGregor captained Celtic during their 0-0 draw with St Johnstone. Picture: SNS Group
Callum McGregor captained Celtic during their 0-0 draw with St Johnstone. Picture: SNS Group

The 24-year-old scored the only goal of the game in the 1-0 home Europa League win over Zenit St Petersburg while making his 150th appearance for the club on Thursday night, which gave the Scottish champions the advantage ahead of the return game in Russia later this week.

• READ MORE - Brendan Rodgers hails ‘big game ace’ Callum McGregor

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After dropping two Ladbrokes Premiership points to Saints, Rodgers spoke in glowing terms about the former Celtic youth player who made his Scotland debut in the 1-0 friendly defeat by Holland at Pittodrie in November.

The Northern Irishman said: “He’s been absolutely brilliant for me.

• READ MORE - Malky Mackay to cap Callum McGregor

“If you look at his goal during the week and if that’s a Spanish, Italian or Argentinian player then everyone would be lauding the quality of the goal, his touch and technique.

“He’s a fantastic talent in terms of how he takes the ball and how he has only one cap for Scotland is amazing.

McGregor (centre) on the bench for Scotland against Slovakia in October 2017. Picture: Michael GillenMcGregor (centre) on the bench for Scotland against Slovakia in October 2017. Picture: Michael Gillen
McGregor (centre) on the bench for Scotland against Slovakia in October 2017. Picture: Michael Gillen

“Someone of that technique and tactical idea of the game, he is absolutely brilliant.

“With some other regulars out it was a nice touch for him to be captain and my staff agreed.

• READ MORE - Is Callum McGregor Celtic’s answer to John O’Shea?

“He’s 24 and came through the system and understands Celtic and what it means and it was a nice day for him and his family.”

McGregor (centre) on the bench for Scotland against Slovakia in October 2017. Picture: Michael GillenMcGregor (centre) on the bench for Scotland against Slovakia in October 2017. Picture: Michael Gillen
McGregor (centre) on the bench for Scotland against Slovakia in October 2017. Picture: Michael Gillen
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Rodgers was comfortable in his decision to make seven changes for the visit of the Perth side.

He said: “It was probably a fair result. There were lots of positives in terms of players coming back like Tom Rogic’s first game in three months and Calvin Miller getting a game.

“I had to take the opportunity to play some of these guys, especially with so many injuries. They need game time for when they are needed.

“It’s always difficult after European games. Even if I had a full side out it would have been a tough game.”

• READ MORE - Callum McGregor tells critics: We’re having a great season