GMS has finally caught up to boss’s needs

BY his own admission, Gary Mackay-Steven has experienced the odd “dark day” since signing for Celtic and Ronny Deila two years ago.

The Thurso-born winger has spent extended periods on the sidelines under both the Norwegian and current boss Brendan Rodgers, a fact that prompted his old club, Dundee United, to try unsuccessfully to get him back on loan in the January transfer window.

But as he looked ahead to today’s Scottish Cup tie against St Mirren, a game that could take Celtic a significant step closer to the Treble, GMS insisted there was no place he would rather be.

“There were possibilities but I wanted to be here and the manager wanted me to be here,” said the 26-year-old.

“That’s good because the team is doing well and it’s a great place to be right now.

“At the start of the season, I was injured. I had an operation on my ankle and I didn’t make my first appearance until December.

“So that didn’t give me a lot of time to get up to speed and really buy into what the manager wants.

“Now, though, I feel I have caught up and know exactly what he wants from me.

“I think personally I have improved under him – and it is not just me. The whole squad would say that, in the short space of time he has been here, he has improved us technically and tactically.

“It’s great to be part of that.

“Every day you learn something new. He expects the front players to be creative and attacking but also be in position and win it back as quickly as possible when we don’t have it.

“The standard of training and work we put in gives us that fitness, and technical and tactical know-how.”

Now Mackay-Steven can’t wait to see how far the side have improved with a return to European action next season.

Not least because arguably his own most eye-catching display of the season came away to Manchester City in the club’s 1-1 draw in the Champions League.

“Obviously it was nice to make my first appearance of the season under a new manager in such a big game,” said the Celt.

“That shows he has a lot of trust in me.

“It was good but I have to build on that.

“You get a little taste for the Champions League. They are the biggest games and this club deserves to be on that stage.

“Hopefully there are plenty more to come.

“I know what I’m capable of, so I need to be ready when called upon.”