Mcgregor’s ‘outstanding’ Euros form has Postecoglou purring
Postecoglou admits he cannot wait to get a closer look at Celtic’s Euro 2020 representatives after singling out Callum Mcgregor for special mention.
Mcgregor fired Scotland's only goal of the tournament against Croatia but the midfielder’s strike from the edge of the box was not enough to pre vent Steve Clarke's side making an early exit.
New Celtic manager Postecoglou arrived at Lennoxtown yesterday to take his first training session after finally checking into Glasgow the day before.
But he will have to wait a few more days before he gets the chance to run the rule over Mcgregor and fellow Scotland squad members James Forrest, Greg Taylor, Ryan Christie and David Turnbull.
The Parkhead quintet will be given extra time off to recover from their efforts over the summer before rejoining their club-mates ahead of their preseason trip to Wales.
"They will need a bit of a break now but I can't wait to get them back here," said Postecoglou.
"The first thing is giving some of them a bit of a break because physically and emotionally they've been on a bit of a rollercoaster and it's always good to have a little bit of a break.
"As soon as they're ready to come back in it will be good to meet up with them and I'm sure they will be as enthusiastic as anyone else to get going."
Mcgregor became the first Scot since Craig Burley back in 1998 to net at a major finals with his goal in the 3-1 defeat by Croatia on Tuesday evening. But it was the midfielder’s display four days earlier in the Wembley stalemate with England which had Postecoglou purring.
"Callum was outstanding," said the Celtic manager, who sits down with the Scottish media for the first time today. "I watched the England v Scotland game live and he was great that night.
"He put in another great performance [against Croatia at Hampden]. I think all the lads will have had a positive experience.
"I know it didn't end up being fantastic but just being part of a major tournament will leave them full of confidence."
There will be no end of questions for Ange Postecoglou to provide clarity on when the new Celtic manager has his first sit-ins with the Scottish media today. Here are five covering a number of the more pressing matters beyond transfer plans...
What are the plans for backroom staff in the long-term? No details have emerged from the Parkhead club as to whether Postecoglou will be recruiting an assistant, or any other first-team coaching members. Previous No 2, and more recently interim manager, John Kennedy and first-team coach from last season Gavin Strachan appear to have been retained to assist the Greekaustralian with the pre-season training programme.
However, it would be surprising if Postecoglou does not envisage a refresh in this department - Shaun Maloney has been touted for a role following his duties with the Belgians at Euro 2020 - which raises questions as to how Kennedy and Strachan will fit into that.
When will Celtic’s Euro 2020 Scots join up with the squad?
Postecolgou told Celtic media that Callum Mcgregor, David Turn bull and Ryan Christie who is expected to leave, but has yet to attract bids from interested clubs Nice or Monaco-will require a break before being plunged into the build-up for the Champions League second round qualifier first leg at home to FC Midtjylland on 20 July.
In having played Scotland’s last two games, Mcgregor may require more down-time than the other two, Christie given 45 minutes across the finals, with Turnbull not featuring.
The first days of the training camp in Wales, where Celtic head for ten days from 5 July, may be too early for Mcgregor at least. He is sure to want some involvement from the three in the games that will see them play Sheffield
Wednesday in Newport on 7 July, Charlton at the same location three days later, and the trip to play Bristol City at their home on 14 July.
Will Odsonne Edouard be released for France’s Olympic squad?
The suggestion that Celtic’s main striker may not depart the club in the summer as previously thought - Leicester City having turned their attentions elsewhere and no bid having come in from Arsenal, the 23-year-old’s desired next stop - is intriguing.
Postecoglou would welcome retaining Edouard, even if his club are unlikely to be sanguine about the possibility of him leaving on a free when his contract expires next summer. However, this would then bring into play the issue of his participation in the Olympics, which would rule him out for any early European qualifiers.
Celtic can refuse to let him go to Tokyo, with Monaco blocking the release of their players because of the Champions League qualifying phase. What kind of reaction that would elicit from Edouard can only be guessed at, though.
What is happening with Jack Hendry?
Reports in Belgium claim that Oostende have been unable to activate the release clause in his loan deal because they cannot come up with the £1.6 million fee required to do so. With Kristoffer Ajer expected to be sold, and Christopher Jullien yet to return to full fitness, Postecoglou could want to utilise Hendry, in the shortterm at least. Only the 55-yearold can shed any light on this front.