Cal is at the Real top level
for Scotland against Spain in midweek.
O’Riley has been hugely impressed by McGregor since arriving at Celtic just over a year ago. And he’s adamant his team-mate wouldn’t look out of place in the company of Modric, Kroos, Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni in Carlo Ancelotti’s starstudded Madrid side.
O’Riley said: “If I’m being completely honest I think Cal is at a similar level now to those players.
“Respectfully, if he was put into a team like Real Madrid I think he’d fit in pretty easily.
“I’ve played with a lot of good players and Cal is definitely up there with the best of them. He’s a very important player and captain of the club. On top of that, he’s a genuinely nice guy as well. We’re lucky to have him at Celtic.
“I saw he was bursting through Spain players after 90 minutes on
TTuesday night which just susums him up.
“I was really happy for hhim and for Scotland.”
Celtic’s face Ross County in the Premiership today aand Staggies boss Malky MMackay has claimed MMcGregor is so good that bbids must have been rereceived by Celtic for their start midfielder.
Ange Postecoglou refused to rule that out but says he’s grateful his leader won’t be going anywhere.
The Celtic boss said: “That’s something I wouldn’t entertain. When the club talks to me about any bids I usually say my phone’s not working.
“But that wouldn’ t surprise me with Callum. He’s shown he can play at the very highest level.
“But I still think his best football is ahead of him because he’s growing in stature all the time.
“He’s proven he can play at the highest level. Thankfully for us he’s really committed to this club.”