Relentless McGregor feels on top of the world

WHETHER judged by the volume of his work or its sheer quality, it is clear Callum McGregor just doesn’t do ordinary. Wednesday’s imperious performance against Hibernian was the Celtic midfielder’s 50th appearance for club and country this season. Few have been anything other than exceptional. ‘I did get sent a Tweet saying I’ve played more games than anyone else in football this season — I think it’s six more games than any other player in world football,’ said the 25-year-old. ‘That was good to see. It does show that I’m on the right path and playing well. ‘I think I’ve played mostly 90 minutes, as well. It’s just as well I’ve felt all right! I do want to keep going, keep pushing on and doing it for Celtic.’ McGregor’s remarkable claim to fame seems to stand up to scrutiny. Both Roberto Alvarado of Mexican club Cruz Azul and Sevilla’s Quincy Promes have turned out 44 times this term but could be considered work shy in comparison to the man at the head of the field. McGregor’s feat would be noteworthy in any era. But in this age of vast squads and managers’ liking for rotation, it’s all the more remarkable. Somehow, the Scot seems resistant to the injuries and fluctuations in form that are a fact of life for the vast majority. ‘This is my best season ever, I would think,’ he said. ‘When you look at those 50 games, I feel as if I’ve done well over the piece, that I’ve contributed to the team and everything has gone well. ‘The longevity of the run proves it’s been a good season. I feel good and just want to keep playing.’ Brendan Rodgers’ admiration for the player’s talent and professionalism knows no bounds. But the Celtic manager does not make his selections based on favouritism. If McGregor’s levels had dipped at any point, there is no question that he would have been taken out of the firing line. ‘Modern football is so intense that everyone comes out of the team at some point,’ he said. ‘But I’m playing well and I talk to the manager all the time. I’m sure if he saw I was a bit tired then he’d pull me in. ‘But I feel good, he thinks I am doing well, so I think it’s just a case of keeping going.’ For the avoidance of doubt, McGregor (below) is made of flesh and blood. And the secret behind this almost unnatural aversion to injury and mediocrity is by no means otherworldly. ‘Do I just sleep?’ he asked. ‘Pretty much! I do try to rest as much as possible. ‘I’ll go for a coffee in the afternoon then I’m back in the house at four, get my dinner in me and then watch the telly for the rest of the day. ‘It is pretty repetitive but it has to be done. Having rest is really important, especially when you’re playing two or three games a week. ‘My job is to be a football player and to be ready for every game. ‘I feel that responsibility when I’m away from the training ground. I do everything I can to be ready for the games. Rest is hugely important. ‘I scroll through Netflix from four to nine, just trying to find something I haven’t watched.’ The routine plainly works. It ensures the mind as well as the body remains primed to tackle what lies ahead. ‘A lot of people will say: “Ach, they are finished by half-one every day” but a lot of it is the mental preparation for the games, looking after your body, eating the right things,’ said McGregor. ‘We are not actually at the training ground a lot of the time, so it’s the dedication when you are away; making sure you aren’t doing the stuff you shouldn’t be.’ Who could possibly argue with his routine? Once a fringe player, McGregor is a front-runner for the various Player of the Year awards. His efforts have belatedly seen him honoured with his own song by his adoring public. It is more fuel for the soul. ‘When the crowd is chanting your name, you get another surge of energy as you know the fans have your back,’ he said.