STAR DOUBT FOR HEARTS OPERATION
BRENDAN RODGERS won’t take risks with Celtic skipper Callum McGregor.
And the Parkhead boss is adamant he has the leaders to step up if his captain is ruled out of tomorrow’s showdown against Hearts.
McGregor (left) is a big doubt for the clash at Tynecastle after suffering Achilles and calf muscle issues in the 7-1 midweek win over Dundee.
McGregor’s nature means he will do everything to be ready for tomorrow.
But, when asked if it may be a case of protecting the 30-yearold, Rodgers said: “Well that’s exactly it, aye. In my experience, the guys who are always available and always playing, it’s such a new experience for them to be injured.
“It is one of those where all players, especially top players, want to play every game. So, you have to be mindful of it and be aware of the risk.
“We will take that into consideration because we are entering a really important period.
“You can go into a cup final and if there is nothing after that for a while then of course you can take that risk.
“But, with still quite a bit of the season to go we have to weigh that up.”
Cover
Although losing McGregor for Tynecastle would be a blow to the champions, Rodgers is adamant he has other influential stars to help cover the Scotland star’s leadership.
He said: “Yeah, the likes of Cameron (Carter-Vickers) and Ali Johnston now getting back up to speed and strong and fit.
“Greg Taylor is a great speaker as well.
“Then we have big Joe Hart. These guys will step up.”
Taylor has been over the title course before and reckons staying level-headed is key.
The full-backsaid: “We need to be pretty emotionless, especially in the business end.
“I’m experienced enough to know that you can’t get too high and you can’t get too low.
“There’s always a game around the corner.”