Callum's the heartbeat of Celtic

Ralston says CalMac still vital to side

- BY FRASER WILSON

HE'S not the first Celtic captain to cop some flak when the Hoops lose their pulsating edge.

Callum McGregor is in good company on that score.

Scott Brown, Neil Lennon and plenty before them all felt the heat when the rhythm went wrong with their sides.

So maybe it should be no surprise the critics - those who aren't focusing all their aim on the boardroom at least - have been targeting the 32-year-old for a perceived declining influence as the champions look for a spark.

Don't suggest that to Anthony Ralston though.

Forget a fading impact - Ralston insists McGregor is still the club's HEARTBEAT.

And the very man to get the champions ticking again as he looks to add to an astonishing haul of 24 major honours.

Ralston said: "Callum's a leader in the dressing-room and a leader on the pitch as well.

"He has brought so much success to the club and has been - and still is - the heartbeat of everything we do on the football pitch.

"I don't pay any attention to what other people say.

"From my point of view he's the heartbeat of everything that we do and he's a terrific footballer.