‘McGREGOR DESERVES A SCOTS MENTION’

BRENDAN RODGERS insists Callum McGregor has what it takes to join the extensive Celtic contingent within Gordon Strachan’s Scotland squad. The Parkhead manager yesterday made a point of praising McGregor’s contribution as he reflected on the 5-0 thrashing of Hearts that sealed the Premiership title. Six Celtic players — Craig Gordon, Kieran Tierney, Scott Brown, James Forrest, Stuart Armstrong and Leigh Griffiths — were part of Scotland’s 1-0 World Cup qualifying win over Slovenia last week. Rodgers believes McGregor (left, with the Northern Irishman) could take that total up to seven as Strachan considers possibilities for the pool to face England in June. The 23-year-old has not been capped at senior level but was called up for the September 2014 meeting with Germany. ‘Callum never gets a mention,’ said Rodgers. ‘We have all the stars, all the goals; this was a boy who was brilliant against Hearts. ‘If Gordon is looking for someone who is technically gifted, who can keep the ball, who understands football tactically, a player who never wavers in mentality, who has got Champions League experience, then you wouldn’t go too far wrong with Callum.’ Rodgers views McGregor’s adaptability as vital to him and his retention of possession has similarities to Wales’ Joe Allen. ‘Callum has played in five positions for me this season,’ added Rodgers, whose side face Partick Thistle tomorrow evening. ‘I had a similar player at Liverpool in Joe Allen and it wasn’t probably until he went to the European Championships and got voted into the Team of the Tournament that people began to sit up and take a bit of notice of him. ‘These guys are honest guys. They don’t look for glory, they are very efficient and effective. ‘Callum has been brilliant for us. He has this habit where he rarely gives the ball away and in my teams that is critical.’ Rodgers, meanwhile, believes it is possible Patrick Roberts could be back at Celtic next season — but admits it will be August before he knows if that is a possibility. An 18-month loan deal for the winger, who cost Manchester City £12million, ends this summer. ‘I wouldn’t say no chance,’ said Rodgers. ‘He’ll go back and he’ll want to see if he can get into the Manchester City squad. ‘And then, over the course of pre-season, they’ll decide what happens. ‘I’m sure this will be an attractive option. It’ll just depend. Initially, for the (Champions League) qualifiers, I doubt he’d be here.’