POINTS MEAN PRIZES

Callum McGregor on turning hard work behind the scenes into sustained success on the pitch

- JOE DONNELLY

SO much has been said about Odsonne Edouard and Leigh Griffiths’ collective form since the turn of the year. The returns from playing two up front within a 3-5-2 formation have been tangible.

Ahead of this evening’s encounter with Hearts at Paradise, the pair have played five out of seven games in 2020, within which the Frenchman has scored seven times and the Scotsman four – the latter assisting twice in the process.

The pair have been subject to a wave of deserved praise from the media and their manager alike, and having an extra body leading the line has helped the Hoops midfield move the ball forward quicker and pin back opposition lines deeper.

Callum McGregor is one central player who is thriving in this system, often roaming from box-to-box, helping out in defence, and instigating attacks at the opposite end. The 26-year-old has now played 42 competitive games at club level this season so far, and was rested for last Sunday’s 3-0 win over Clyde at Broadwood.

His Man of the Match performance against Motherwell during the Scottish champions’ 4-0 rout at Fir Park last week, however, saw him assist twice – for Edouard and Griffiths, no less – and net one of the best goals of the season so far.

“The goal against Motherwell came off the back of a great move. In the second half, the boys were in full-flow, and we created a lot of chances,” said McGregor in an exclusive interview with the Celtic View.

“I saw James getting into that position that he likes to get into – on the wing, with the full-back one-on-one, and at an angle for the cut-back – and he played a great pass. My first touch bobbled up, which made it inviting to hit it straight away.