Even when I’m sitting it out I’ll always know right where I stand

COMMUNICATION KEY FOR CALLUM

CALLUM MCGREGOR has been out but there’s no way he’s getting down.

The Celtic playmaker is desperate for a return to the starting line-up in today’s Scottish Cup clash with Partick Thistle.

Having been left out of the starting 11 for the last two matches against Hearts and Kilmarnock, Mcgregor’s now itching for a comeback.

But if it doesn’t happen the 24-year-old trusts that Hoops gaffer Brendan Rodgers has sidelined him for a reason and will have pulled him aside to tell him exactly why.

Mcgregor says it’s the trust and communication between manager and squad that means no one feels ostracised even if they don’t play or feature in the matchday plans.

He’s obviously not happy if he’s omitted – no one in the dressing room is – but the midfielder or his absent colleagues won’t go demanding answers

Mcgregor said: “The gaffer speaks to the players, myself included, obviously.

That’s one of the great things about him. He does it on a daily basis and, whether it’s just a two-minute chat or whatever, you always know where you stand. He’ll say whatever reason he’s got for pulling you out and then tells you to get back in. It’s just good to know he’s talking to the players and everybody knows what’s required of them.

“When you play so many games it’s sometimes good to come out and then you’re fresh when you go back in again.

“As a professional footballer you want to play every game. If the manager comes and asks, ‘Do you want to play?’ you’re always going to say yes.

“It’s about trying to get the balance and being ready to come into the team.

“When you go into the games you have to be fresh and do what he’s asking with the way he wants to play games.

“With us having such a big squad, he’s getting that from loads of different players in a lot of different positions.

“That always keeps the intensity and when you’re out you have to work hard to get back in and get your jersey back.” Hoops star Mcgregor also understands that sometimes you have to show patience.

Gaffer Rodgers (below) has a host of options at his disposal and the engine room is one of the most populated areas. When everyone is fit Mcgregor is competing against the likes of Scott Brown, Olivier Ntcham, Stuart Armstrong, Eboue Kouassi and Tom Rogic for a pick.

Charly Musonda’s loan signing adds another playmaker to the set-up but the Scotland ace insists competition is just part of life at Parkhead. He added: “Of course that’s part of dealing with such a big squad. “You’ve got to be determined to get back in and don’t just sit there and say you’re happy for other boys to play. “You want to feature in every game and play as many times as you can in a season.

“There’s a great trust between the players and the boss so when you’re out you know it’s just a matter of time before you get back in.”