Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has paid tribute to Callum McGregor after the Hoops’ captain scored a late winner against Aberdeen on Saturday afternoon.

The Premiership leaders had struggled to break down their opponents at Pittodrie but McGregor’s strike means they have maintained the nine point gap to Rangers at the top of the table. Postecoglou was full of praise for his skipper following the game:

“I don’t rank players I’ve managed – you treat them as special in their own way. But it doesn’t need me to say he’s an outstanding Celtic footballer who will be remembered long after I’m gone. And there’s more in him. He’s taken on the leadership role in the last year and a half and he’s grown in terms of his influence on the field. He is just an outstanding footballer.”

McGregor has only just returned to the team after a lengthy absence. He had been sidelined since the beginning of October after picking up a knee injury in the 3-1 away loss to RB Leipzig.

The 29-year-old seems to be making up for lost time, though, with his crucial goal giving Celtic a massive boost as they look to sustain their title challenge.

As Postecoglou mentions, it is not only McGregor’s ability on the ball they have missed but also his leadership qualities, and they will be relying on him to negotiate more tricky fixtures in the coming months.