The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
McGregor could miss Hearts clash
Manager Brendan Rodgers believes Celtic have been their own worst enemies this season. But he is optimistic they can find the consistency they will need during the title run-in.
The champions delivered their biggest victory of the season when they thrashed Dundee 7-1 on Wednesday.
Previous league games since the winter break had all been tight, and two draws saw Celtic lose top spot to Rangers, who could go five points clear today.
Celtic travel to face Hearts tomorrow, possibly without skipper Callum McGregor, and Rodgers is looking for his side to build on their midweek display.
“If we perform to the level that we can do on a consistent basis, we are a very good team,” he said. “It’s that consistency now of taking that performance into our next game.”
Rodgers has seen Alistair Johnston, Greg Taylor and Cameron Carter-Vickers return to his back four in recent games and is looking to utilise that settled platform now.
He said: “To have these players coming back is great and really good timing.
“We are still very much there, still very much in our hands what it is we want to do.”
McGregor was replaced by Daniel Kelly at half-time against Dundee, with the 18-year-old scoring his first goal on his league debut.
“Callum came off at halftime during the week. He felt his Achilles a little bit and his calf,” said Rogers.
“I know from speaking to him, at this time of the year he does normally feel a little bit because he does play so much.
“So we just have to assess that and see where he is over the next 24 hours.”
McGregor has played further forward in the past two games after the return of Tomoki Iwata, who missed two months of action after picking up a knock.
The Japanese midfielder has seized his latest opportunity after making only 10 starts during his first 12 months as a Celtic player.
“He anchors that midfield for us and allows Cal to move on,” Rodgers said.
“He is a very good player, but he has missed a lot of this season, moments where it looked like he was going to get his run in the team, he was out injured.
“So that’s been the challenging time for him, and then it was just been about getting him up to speed and getting him in at the right time.
“I am really pleased for him because he has given his all in training, and he has waited for that opportunity.”