Sign Of The Times

Callum McGregor committed his long-term future to Celtic with a new five-year deal, an announcement that delighted fans as much as it pleased the player

- Paul Cuddihy

THE boardroom at Celtic Park holds some special memories for Callum McGregor. It was where he sat as an eight-year-old, alongside his parents, and signed his first ever agreement with Celtic, and it was where, last week, he penned a new five-year contract which will see him remain at the club until at least the summer of 2024.

At that point, his thoughts returned to that moment 18 years ago when he first set out on his Celtic journey.

Like every footballer, it has been a long, and sometimes arduous journey, with many highs and lows along the way, but it is testament to McGregor’s character and quality that now, at the age of 26, he is a key player in the Celtic team, having helped to deliver some momentous triumphs to the club. The most recent of those came last Thursday night when Neil Lennon’s side beat Lazio 2-1 in the Stadio Olimpico, to become the first Celtic side to win a competitive match in Italy and, as is so often the case now, McGregor was at the heart of that historic victory.

Speaking exclusively to the Celtic View after signing his new five-year deal, McGregor said: “You’re so busy with the games and everything else that’s going on that it’s hard to take yourself back and reflect on the journey.

“But sitting here in the boardroom takes me right back to 18 years ago when I came in and signed my first contract.

“I came in originally as an eight-year-old kid, and now to be standing here 18 years later, having signed another five-year deal, makes me incredibly proud of what I’ve done and what I’ve achieved.

“I’m also thankful to everybody else around about me who have helped me get to this point, and obviously to the club as well for securing another contract for me.

“The last few years have been brilliant, with so many big games, big goals and trophies, that it’s hard to pick one out.