Better safe than sorry – Calmac staying off the plastic probably for the best

Despite earlier reports to the contrary, Callum McGregor won’t take any part in tomorrow’s clash at Livingston. The skipper has been out since the 7-1 win over Dundee and was expected to be back after the international break.

But Brendan Rodgers yesterday revealed the Celtic captain won’t be available for tomorrow, although he will be back in training next week and has more than a good chance of facing theRangers at Ibrox. Given the nature of Callum’s injury,  the Celtic manager has made the decision not to risk his skipper who will clearly be needed at Ibrox a week tomorrow where no Celtic supporters will be there to back the team.

This decision could turn out to be a blessing in disguise as being thrown back into action especially on the horrendous Livingston surface could have been a bit risky. Especially with a trip to Ibrox the next stop. A week of training will do Callum the world of good, and he should be fit and raring to go for the high noon clash at Ibrox. I’d be very surprised if he didn’t start that game.

Yes Callum has lacked match practice in the past few weeks, but he’s played plenty of football over the past year or so for both club and country, so perhaps this little break will have done him the world of good?

He’s a player I would have no hesitation in starting at Ibrox if even 80 per cent fit. He’s that important to this Celtic side. And with just about everyone else fit, with just Yang and Luis Palma on the sidelines but expected back shortly, Brendan Rodgers has made the sensible call in keeping Calmac for Ibrox next week. These are the big decisions he’s paid to make and I reckon he’s got this one spot on.