Brown’s inspiration sees McGregor sign up

CELTIC: Scottish international would love to emulate skipper’s record

Callum McGregor revealed his admiration for skipper Scott Brown’s longevity after signing a new deal at Celtic which will take him to 2023.

The 25-year-old Scotland international, a graduate of the Hoops youth academy, made his 201st appearance for the club in the 3-0 win against Motherwell at Parkhead on Wednesday night.

However, McGregor still has a bit to go to catch fellow midfielder Brown.

The 33-year-old, who signed from Hibernian in 2007, made his 500th Celtic appearance versus Well on a night where the Hoops regained top spot in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

Asked if he wanted to be a one-club man, McGregor said: “If I could do that, I’d be absolutely delighted.

“You seen Broony last night, getting to 500 appearances which is testament to attitude, quality, his mentality, everything about him.

“For me to aspire to something like that, I would be very proud of that as well.

“When the manager spoke to me about a new deal it was a no-brainer, I wanted to sign.

“To play in front of these fans at this stadium, at one of the biggest clubs in the world, it is a massive honour, so to be able to do that for the next five years is something I am looking forward to.”

McGregor is preparing for three tough games before the end of the year against Dundee at home plus Aberdeen and Rangers away.

Celtic’s convincing victory over Motherwell, thanks to goals from Anthony Ralston, Scott Sinclair and Mikey Johnston, took them one point above Rangers and two clear of Kilmarnock with a game in hand over both.

However, there are fitness concerns over the club’s only available recognised striker, Odsonne Edouard, who came off against Well with an abductor problem.

McGregor said: “It is not an ideal situation we are in. Hopefully, he comes through first and foremost but if not then we have a couple of different options.

“Without a recognised striker everyone will have to chip in and hopefully we get goals from other places.”

When the manager spoke to me about a new deal it was a no-brainer, I wanted to sign

Picture: SNS. Callum McGregor has signed a new contract with Celtic until 2023.