Callum McGregor may lead Celtic out against Rangers at Ibrox even if he is only 80 percent fit, according to manager Brendan Rodgers, who says his captain is one of only a few players who has the quality to make an impact even when he is not at his physical peak.
McGregor has been out of action for over a month with an Achilles problem, but is in the mix to start on Sunday after coming through training this week so far, with one final session scheduled for Saturday ahead of the game.
All going well, the Celtic skipper will take up his berth at the heart of the midfield, but Rodgers is also wary over risking McGregor with huge games still to come after this weekend.
“We'll do one final run with Callum tomorrow in our last session, but he's done remarkable to be back, he's way ahead of schedule from what we thought,” Rodgers said.
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“It just shows you his professionalism and how hard he's worked so he'll be involved in the squad, and if he is, then it's great news for us in every capacity because we'll have a clean bill of health, really, for probably the first time this season. But we'll make a final call on that tomorrow.
“He's the type of player who can probably get by at 80 per cent. He has that level, that quality. But you also have to think about the fact there are remaining games throughout the season.
“It's just about being logical and finding out where he's at with all his tests and measurements. He's been training, and clearly his quality is there, but we just have to gauge whether he starts, whether he comes into the game or what involvement he has.”
McGregor himself is itching to take to the field on Sunday, but Rodgers will sit down with his captain and determine the best course of action with the bigger picture in mind.
“It’s just a logical conversation to have,” he said.
“It’s not like it’s a cup final or the last game of the season. We still have really important games to come after Sunday.
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“Yes, it’s a very important game and it’s the next game but we will have important games after that.
“So, it’s just about getting him through. He’s a player who has always played and performed in big games and these are the type of games you always want to play in.
“But we also have to use common sense with it as well.”
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