Mcgregor finds Strachan is no chip off the old block

First impressions of new Celtic first-team coach Gavin Strachan for Callum Mcgregor have reminded that shared DNA doesn’t necessarily make for similar personality traits. The 41-year-old, who replaces Damien Duff, is the son of former Celtic and Scotland manager Gordon Strachan, under whom Mcgregor earned his first national call-up.

“I didn’t know Gavin before and you are maybe expecting a carbon copy of Gordon,” said the Scottish champions’ vice-captain of the man recruited from Peterborough United, where he was No 2 to Darren Ferguson. “But he’s a completely different person. He’s definitely his own man. He’s also a coach. They are more hands on in the sessions while the managers take a step back and get involved when they want to.

“It’s different roles that require different characteristics. It’s been a really positive start. He has been great. He’s come in full of energy and enthusiasm. He seems a top guy as well.

“The first few days have been excellent and he seems like a good match for the club. We’re all buzzing to be working together and I’m sure he’ll bring a lot of good knowledge to the group.

“The first few days he’s been desperate to get involved and the boys reckons he’s top class. We’re hoping to have another successful season and he’ll be desperate to be part of it.”

Strachan’s desperation will be shared by Patryk Klimala. The Polish striker, inset, failed to make an impression before the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown in March – two months on from a £3.5 million move. But the 22-yearold is doing so now as the club prepare for possibility of playing in front of reduced attendances when their tenin-a-row league bid begins in August.

“Patryck has shaved his head a few times – he’s looking like a bouncer! He has come back looking in great condition,” said Mcgregor. “He’s obviously been working hard on the physical side during lockdown and he’s returned looking really strong.

“He’s still looked really quick in training. It’s important not to lose that half a yard of pace when you are starting to bulk up a bit. But he looks in top condition and raring to go. I’ve got a lot of sympathy for the boys who made big moves in January. It’s a whole new life for them and they are trying to settle in – but then the whole world shuts down.”