Callum McGregor clears up Celtic rumour as situation not all it seemed

The Celtic captain insists there wasn’t as much to a recent on-field scenario as was made out

Callum McGregor gave an insight into his job as referee in determining who converted Celtic’s penalty versus Hearts.

Reo Hatate has been the Hoops’ stand-in kicker, but a recent addition Another guy with confidence when shooting from 12 yards is Arne Engels, who ultimately took the lead over the Jambos by sending Craig Gordon the wrong way. Before a choice was made, the captain was observed conversing with Hatate.

There was speculation that the two midfielders may have argued and fought over who should take the penalty, but McGregor is adamant that this isn’t the case. Instead, he claims it was a simple matter of them having a friendly conversation about who was the more confident player.

He declared: “In actuality, it was probably not what you people believed it to be! After that, I heard a small rumor, but it wasn’t that! Essentially, those two were the ones that took the penalties: “Did one of them fancy it more than the other? Who thought it was possible? Okay, you accept it.

“It was pretty cut and dry, I don’t think there was anything too essential for me to step in and deal with. It was that simple: Arne felt fantastic and, happily, he scored as well.”

Regarding Engels specifically, McGregor acknowledges that there is a degree of surprise at how well the record signing has adapted and started to contribute.  The captain saw the player’s presence right away, but going and enforcing yourself so well so quickly is another thing.

“Surprised and not surprised,” he remarked, “because I thought when I saw him the first day that he’s a player, he can play!” It’s strange, though, because when the game starts, you still have to walk in and deliver. Despite his youth, he has good experience for his age as a player. To come into a team this large and take two penalties in his first two games – he’s looked a true powerhouse and good on the ball. In that regard, I’m not shocked, but it’s great to see him step in and start working right away. It’s also a huge benefit for the team.

Before the team’s Champions League match the following week, the 31-year-old feels confident in the team’s skills. Brendan Rodgers, the manager, stated that it was the most prepared he has ever been for a UCL campaign, and his captain concurs.

“It is a strong squad and the profile of the team is where we want it to be,” he said. We have the appropriate tactical components that you require in addition to a nice mix of power, speed, and physicality. There are several young players in the group who have sufficient experience, making it well-balanced. We have succeeded in assembling a formidable team, and only time will tell how well we do going forward. It undoubtedly possesses every quality of a successful squad. All that matters is for the players to perform that on the field.”