Opinion: Celtic star who makes Hoops tick can set tone for Cup Final

Celtic captain Callum McGregor is the player that makes the Hoops tick. The midfielder does this pre-match when he leads the players in the huddle, and most games does it during the game for the Hoops too.

The midfield is usually the most important area of a football match, and that is even more so in Glasgow derbies. McGregor scored the first goal for Celtic after only two minutes of last week’s win over Aberdeen, and he can do the same in this weekend’s League Cup Final against Rangers, even if he doesn’t necessarily score for the second game in a row.

Perhaps a good challenge on a member of the Rangers midfield, or a great pass to set up a chance for the Hoops could set the tone for the cup final, and it would also give the team an early boost, which could allow them to control the game.

McGregor can’t do it all on his down though, he needs help from his fellow midfielders, which he didn’t always get in the game against Rangers at Ibrox last month.

If Rangers have a player man-marking McGregor and closing him down, then the other midfielders have to get involved to get the ball and help McGregor, so that he isn’t taken out of the game which happened at times in the last Glasgow derby.

For the evidence of what McGregor can do in a derby, you just need to look at Celtic’s victory at Ibrox last April which all but clinched the title. With the Hoops a goal down, McGregor went on a great solo run into the penalty box, which eventually led to Tom Rogic’s equaliser.

That superb run got Celtic back into the game, and the three points picked up at Ibrox all but clinched the title for the Bhoys.

McGregor might not have to go on a great run at the start of the League Cup Final, but he can still set the tone for the Hoops by helping the side gain control of the game.

The midfield trio of McGregor, Reo Hatate and probably Aaron Mooy – although Matt O’Riley is also in contention to start – will be key to the Hoops’ prospects of winning the League Cup, and all three are capable of taking control of a game, with their skill and ability.

As McGregor is captain he has that extra responsibility, and he can set the tone for the Hoops in any number of ways at the start of the game, but he will need support from his fellow midfielders in the game.