Rodgers pinpoints Celtic player who was 'critical' to late season title surge

For some time now, it has appeared that there may be something of the bionic about Callum McGregor. The Celtic captain has been robotically churning out 50-plus games season after season for his club for what seems like an age, and has invariably performed at a consistently high level.

Even when he fractured his cheekbone a couple of seasons ago, he was back on the pitch way ahead of schedule to lead his team out in a crucial game against Rangers. So, there was no way that the piffling matter of a spot of Achilles tendonitis was going to keep him out of the final stretch of the title race.

Which is probably just as well, according to manager Brendan Rodgers. Because his presence during what could have been a fraught time for his Celtic side in a season pockmarked by them, was integral to their eventual Premiership success.

READ MORE: Celtic not 'arrogant' enough to write off Rangers in final

So, the Celtic manager is understandably delighted to have his captain – who he rates alongside any of the players he has managed - back to somewhere near his best for Saturday’s Scottish Cup final against Rangers at Hampden, with McGregor just one of the many serial winners sprinkled throughout his side who know exactly what it takes to bring further success to his club.

When asked how important McGregor’s return to the team in April had been, Rodgers said: “It was critical.

“We have other players that can play in that position and do a really good job. But we don’t have anyone in the squad who has the view of the game Callum has. He is up there with the very highest level players I have worked with.

“In terms of professionalism, preparation, he is constantly thinking about the game, the club, the performance.

“I have been so impressed by him as a leader. When I was here first time, he was one of the quiet leaders around the team. Browny was obviously a big influence and an absolutely immense captain.

“But coming back here and seeing how Callum leads has been so refreshing because he doesn’t need to scream, he doesn’t need to shout. He inspires by what he does every single day, how he trains, how he prepares.

“And him coming back was absolutely critical for this team because we don’t have many who see the game like he does.

“When he plays to the level he gets us through the pitch much quicker and he is really inspirational.”

That’s not to say that because he has a level of trust in McGregor and others throughout his side, that Rodgers can kick back, relax and enjoy tomorrow’s showpiece finale to the season.

“I wouldn’t say relax,” he said.

“You still have to be super focused, there is no guarantee.

“But what you understand as a manager is that you know what you’re going to get. In pressure situations that is invaluable.

“Callum is a top operator, James (Forrest) has been over many years as well. His trophy haul is absolutely incredible for this club, as is Callum’s.

"I would definitely say I have an assurance on what I’ll get from them. And of course, I know I can put my faith with them.”

As for Forrest, his remarkable renaissance continued this week as his late season run of form was rewarded with a place in Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad for the European Championships.

“I'm really pleased for him,” Rodgers said.

"I spoke to him this morning, so he's had to get his money back on that holiday that he'd booked! But, delighted for him."

As well as his impressive displays over the closing weeks of the season, Rodgers feels that Forrest’s winning mentality can also be an asset to Scotland in Germany, and it is something that swayed him when he pondered reintroducing him to his own side a couple of months ago after a long period in the wilderness.

“That was, for myself, one of the key elements of bringing him back into the team,” he said.

READ MORE: Rangers can't live with Celtic unless they change tactics

“I knew what I was going to get. He has played in big games, makes the big contributions and, come big games, scores big goals.

“So, I am absolutely delighted for him because he is such a humble guy. He has worked hard every single day waiting for the moments and waiting for the opportunities. And when they came he elevated the team.

“As the season went on and as I seen him more in training, I then have to make a decision, and the decision was that for the team and for the club he had to play.

“I know what I am going to get from James. I get that high level quality, he can look after the ball and create and score a goal. And any deficiencies he has in his game now, because he is older, we have to try to deal with.

“I can’t sit here and say that at the beginning of the season I knew he would do what he is doing now, but I knew his talent.

“And I am so happy he has been able to demonstrate that at the perfect time.”