McGregor: Plan was always for Greek to step up
CALLUM McGREGOR is adamant that Giorgos Giakoumakis was always in line to take Celtic’s next penalty — despite Josip Juranovic still being on the field against Livingston. The Croatian full-back netted coolly from 12 yards against Real Betis and St Johnstone but was a bystander as the Greek failed to beat Max Stryjek on Saturday.
The stoppage-time miss prevented Celtic from heading the Premiership table on Saturday night with supporters baffled as to why Juranovic had been taken off of spot-kick duties.
Backing up manager Ange Postecoglou’s claim that the issue had been predetermined, skipper McGregor said: ‘It was all worked out before and that was the plan. If Giorgos was on the pitch, it was him. ‘If not, it was Josip, so there’s no debate about that.’ The goalless draw ended Celtic’s impressive run of five straight wins in all competitions.
Although Postecoglou’s side were dominant in possession they managed only two efforts on goal in 96 minutes as they struggled to break down the stubborn visiting defence. Adamant his side would still have merited the win, McGregor added: ‘It’s important we don’t dwell on it too much. ‘It was a disappointing result and a hard one to take because there was only one football team trying to win that match.
‘We had enough chances to win the game but, to be fair to them, they were set up well and defended their box well and closed the gaps where we were looking to play in.
‘But I still think we did enough to win the game — and that’s the bit that’s hard to take. ‘So while it’s disappointing, we’ll learn from it. ‘We’ll have a look at the game and see where we can be better and try to create more chances, but again, I think we did enough to win this game.’
Celtic now travel to face Ferencvaros in the Europa League on Thursday before playing Dundee at Dens Park on Sunday. Insistent there would be no over-reaction to the weekend setback, McGregor said: ‘We’ve been on a good run, played some great football and got some great results.
‘It’s just a case of keeping everyone together and recovering well. We’ve got two huge games this week as well, so we just need to get back at it.’