Ange hails his captain fantastic in Hoops win over the Dons

CELTIC manager Ange Postecoglou hailed Callum McGregor for inspiring his team-mates with “bags of energy” after his skipper claimed an assist and winner against Aberdeen at Parkhead yesterday.

McGregor set up Jota for the opener and, after Lewis Ferguson levelled from the spot, diverted the ball home on the hour mark after charging down Jonny Hayes’ attempted clearance.

There was more than a touch of fortune about the winner but Postecoglou felt his team and McGregor had got their just rewards for the way they tackled the cinch Premiership contest three days after a tough night in Germany.

Postecoglou knew his side would need to call on their energy reserves after the exertions of their 3-2 defeat by Bayer Leverkusen and he felt McGregor showed the way.

“He really drove the lads – just the energy, because that’s what I spoke about before the game, that’s what I emphasised,” Postecoglou said.

“It’s easy for me to say it but someone has got to go out there and lead from the front.

“I don’t know where he gets it from but he’s got bags of energy and, when they see him running about, they can’t help but be inspired to do the same.

“He leads by example. He’s a man of action and words and he was outstanding.”

The 2-1 victory kept Celtic four points behind leaders Rangers.

“I’m really pleased, especially after Thursday night, the players put in a lot physically and emotionally,” Postecoglou added. “We were disappointed with the outcome and we knew a couple of days later we would have to pick it up.

“I thought our energy was really good at the start of the game.”

Callum McGregor celebrates his second-half winner.