McGregor penalty sealed nine-in-row but no one knew its significance as Covid-19 loomed

CCallumll McGregorMG wouldldhhave been a popular choice for many fans as the player to earn his place in history as scorer of Celtic’s final goal in the nine-in-a-row season.

But just not in the manner he did. The Scotland star’s expertly converted spot-kick in the last minute completed a 5- 0 romp over St Mirren on March 7 that seemed at the time to be the essence of routine.

Yet McGregor’s penalty is now in the record books as the 89th and final goal of a momentous campaign with Celtic crowned nine-in- a-row champions when the SPFL called the league.

Few would deny the humble homegrown Hoops hero his place in Scottish football folklore after his huge contribution in recent seasons.

The biggest disappointment is that McGregor’s goal won’t be better remembered in years to come as nobody realised the significance of it at the time.

Kenny Dalglish’s solo wondergoal at Brockville in 1974 and Brian Laudrup’s bullet header at Tannadice 33 years later are the only other occasions when nine- in- a- row has been sealed in Scottish football.

Both were met w i th wi ld celebrations on the terraces and amongst the players at full-time – but contrast that to the scene as McGregor netted his 13th goal of the campaign against the Buddies.

Leigh Griffiths had already fired a hat- trick with Odsonne Edouard bagging another in a 90-minute stroll for Neil Lennon’s men at Parkhead.

Following his penalty, McGregor turned and casually walked back to his team-mates to celebrate as Celtic moved 16 points clear at the top of the table before Rangers cut that gap with a win at Ross County 24 hours later.

Former Celtic star Simon Donnelly was working for Celtic TV that afternoon and said: “Nobody thought anything of Callum’s goal at the time – himself included.

“I was working that day and preparing to go to Ibrox the following week.

“Although the coronavirus was in the news, we could never have predicted what lay ahead.

“I don’t think Celtic fans would have had any complaints if you’d said at the start of the season that Cal lum was going to be the man to score the decisive goal that sealed nine-in-a-row.

“But it’s just a pity for him that it wasn’t a more memorable clinching moment.

“That shouldn’t detract from the huge achievement – the players deserve an immense amount of credit. It’s not just winning nine titles in a row but you must take into account their incredible run in the knockout cup c omp e t i t ion s that has left them close to a quadruple Treble.

“Callum has contributed so much and the fact he has come through the ranks, and fans can relate to him, makes him a fitting player to have scored the final goal of the league campaign.

“James Forrest is another you would put into that category who has been unbelievable.

“And Scott Brown too for all he has done at the club for so long now. “I don’t know Callum that well but you can tell he’s such a down-to-earth guy and very professional. “When I asked him to come along to one of the soccer camps I help run he couldn’t have been more obliging and gave up his time to hand out medals. “On the park he has just been so consistent and will be a huge player for Celtic and Scotland going forward.

“I love the way McGregor plays the game on the halfturn receiving the bal l. “He is always probing, always trying to create.” Donne l ly won a l l three domestic trophies with his boyhood heroes and his title triumph in 1997-98 helped stop Rangers bid for 10-in-a-row.

That came 22 years last week and the 45-year-old admits recalling those celebrations was a reminder of what the current crop of legends are missing out on due to the football lockdown.

A 2- 0 home win over St Johnstone sealed the league for Wim Jansen’s men and Donnelly said: “We took the trophy back to Parkhead with 60,000 fans – what a party it was.

“It’s a pity these players won’t get that chance to celebrate such an historic achievement in front of their ecstatic supporters.

“Nine-in- a-row is huge and I know, having been on the other side of it when we were t r y ing to stop arguably the greatest Rangers side in history from achieving that feat.

“The fact Lennon’s side have matched that achievement, and that of the great Celtic side who achieved it in the 1970s, means they have earned their place as legends.

“I feel sorry they won’t get a chance to complete the season on the pitch due to the virus.

“That’s what they would have wanted because that is their job.

“They had to settle for a giant virtual party to celebrate – but at least they made the most of it in the current circumstances.”