We won’t throw caution to the wind with our main man
HOOPS BOSS REFUSING TO GAMBLE ON SKIPPER
BRENDAN RODGERS is adamant he won’t take risks with Celtic skipper Callum Mcgregor.
The Parkhead boss is convinced he has the leaders to step-up if his captain is ruled out of tomorrow’s showdown against Hearts.
Mcgregor is a massive doubt for the crunch clash at Tynecastle.
Rodgers (above) confirmed his captain is feeling Achilles and calf issues having been taken off at halftime of the 7-1 midweek win over Dundee.
The Hoops manager revealed Mcgregor told him he can feel niggles at this time of a season due to his outstanding appearance record and the volume of games he plays.
But, with his on-pitch leader so valuable and a string of games just as big as the crunch at Tynecastle looming, Rodgers is not prepared to take gambles.
Mcgregor’s nature means he will do everything to be ready for the key title battle in Gorgie.
However, when asked if it may be a case of protecting him and almost saving him from himself, the boss said: “Well that’s exactly it.
“With players like that, the guys who are always available and always playing, it’s a new experience for them to be injured.
“It is one of those where all players, especially top players, they want to play every game. So, you have to be mindful of it and you have to be aware of the risk. We will clearly take that into consideration because we are entering into a really important period.
Although losing Mcgregor for Tynecastle would be an obvious and major blow to the champions, Rodgers is adamant he
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has other influential stars to help cover the Scotland star’s leadership. He said: “Yeah, the likes of Cameron [Carter-vickers] and Ali Johnston now getting back up to speed and strong and fit, Greg Taylor is a great speaker as well.
“So, that leadership from within from guys like big Joe Hart, these guys will step up.
“Someone of Callum’s quality and leadership qualities will always be a miss if he isn’t playing, but that then is the responsibility of everyone then to take that on board.”