Brendan Rodgers has hailed ‘undervalued’ Celtic captain Callum McGregor, after the midfielder signed a new five year deal with the club.
The returning Hoops boss told the Celtic website: “It’s amazing news for the club, for the supporters and for the players, but as a manager it’s extra special to have someone of that quality captain the team.
“Callum’s just such an inspirational player and I’m absolutely delighted to working with him again.
“He’s a player that’s undervalued immensely and it’s not really until you work with Callum that you really recognise the real qualities that he has, firstly as a player because that’s the priority, to develop him as a footballer, but also as a person because he’s a great man, and it’s been great to see that development, from the time I was first with him and now coming back four years later and seeing him evolve even more.
“He’s the heartbeat of this team. He’s taken on the responsibility of being captain of a worldwide institution with great effect and we’ll look to continue that development.
“At 30 years of age he’s still got a lot that he can win and still lots of improvements to make, and I know that he’s hungry to do that.
“What’s most important is that he’s there for the team.
“He always has been and now, as captain of the club, he’s a real selfless leader and for me to have someone lead the team like that and be my coach on the field, it’s a great privilege to work with him.”