We have ‘ too many riches’ in midfield says Mcghee

League player now and we need as many of them as possible.

“I remember last year I went to see Celtic play St Johnstone. I came back to Gordon and told him Call um played really well. I though the had an in fluence on the outcome, particularly in the second half.

“But we still have James Morrison, James Mcarthur, Barr y Bannan –and not onlyare these guys good players, they are the guys in possession and have been here already through this. They are still playing well, they are still doing well for their clubs, and deserve to continue.

“At the moment we have too many players and too many riches in that area of the park. It’s not that any of us here don’t think Callum is a good player, or don’t think he has a future playing for Scotland. But at this moment we have the people we need in that area.”

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers express eds urp rise atMc greg or’ s failure to make the squad but Mcghee has no issues with those sentiments.

“I know Brendan and he protects his players, promotes his players and believes in his players,” he added. “He has every right to do that. But I think our argument as to why Cal - lum’s not here is a rational one and a sensible one. Gordon won’t take offence from Brendan saying that and if something happen ed against Lithu ania on Friday where we suddenly needed players called up, it’s not impossible somebody like Callum would be brought in for the Malta game next Monday.

“Because Brendan said that, and because there has been a feeling from quite a few people that maybe he should be here, that also wouldn’t stop Gordon from picking him. He’s not cutting off his nose to spite his face. We feel it’s a balanced decision, and we feel it’s the right decision.”

Sheffield Wednesday striker Steven Fletcher also withdrew from the squad at the weekend but will not be replaced.