Callum McGregor has shed light on his role in deciding who took Celtic’s penalty against Hearts.
While Reo Hatate has been the designated penalty taker, new signing Arne Engels also showed confidence from the spot, ultimately scoring and sending Craig Gordon the wrong way. McGregor was seen discussing with Hatate before the decision was made.
There were suggestions of a disagreement between the two midfielders regarding the penalty, but McGregor asserts that wasn’t the case. He explained, “It was probably not what you guys thought it was, actually! I heard a wee rumour after that but it wasn’t that! Basically, those two were the penalty takers: ‘Did one fancy it, did the other fancy it? Who fancied it? Alright, you take it.’ It was pretty cut and dry. I don’t think there was anything too important for me to step in and deal with. Arne felt good and thankfully he scored as well, so that was all it was!”
Regarding Engels, McGregor admits to being pleasantly surprised at how quickly the record signing has adapted and begun to contribute. He remarked, “Surprised and not surprised, because I saw him on the first day and thought ‘He’s a player, he can play!’. However, it’s also surprising because you have to still go and deliver when the game kicks off. He’s a young player with good experience for his age. To come into a club this size and take two penalties in his first two games – he’s looked a real powerhouse and good on the ball. I’m not surprised in that aspect but for him to come in and hit the ground running the way he has done is excellent. It’s a real plus for the team as well.”
As the team prepares for next week’s Champions League match, McGregor feels confident about their capabilities. He echoed manager Brendan Rodgers’ sentiment that this is the most prepared he has been for a UCL campaign, saying, “It is a strong squad and the profile of the team is where we want it to be. We have got a good balance of speed, power and physicality and the right tactical stuff that you need as well. It is a balanced group with a lot of young players with good enough experience as well. We have managed to build ourselves a strong squad and I guess time will tell how well we go on and do. It certainly has all the hallmarks of a good team. It is just about the players delivering that on the pitch.”
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