CALMAC COULD DO WITH A HAND

Celtic support might be writing off skipper right now but it is the players around him that's the real problem

- CHRIS SUTTON

THERE are some Celtic supporters who believe it's not just the ball that's been going backwards with Callum McGregor.

They reckon the captain's performances are going back the way too.

But I think the criticism of the midfielder has been way off the mark.

It shouldn't come as a surprise, mind you.

I remember Neil Lennon got booed at Celtic Park for passing the ball backwards against Boavista - and that was in a UEFA Cup semifinal.

Unlike Neil, at least McGregor tries to pass the ball forward sometimes!

Yet he's copped flak this season and I just believe it's grossly unfair.

As far as I am concerned, McGregor is struggling a wee bit because of what's going on around him.

He's simply on a different level to any other player in the current Celtic team.

It's always the same when players get to a certain age.

If you misplace a pass in your 20s it's just a poor ball.

Do it in your 30s and you are over the hill.

I don't think McGregor will ever lose that ability in terms of his awareness and that first quick pass.

It’s just I think there are players in the team currently who are hiding - and that kills the flow.

I look at the likes of Reo Hatate. He's been a shadow of the player we've seen at Celtic in recent years.

Everyone goes through peaks and troughs and Hatate has always been one who could throw in the occasional poor game.

But right now he just looks miles off it.

We're not seeing the runs into the box down the left channel, the moments of magic have been few and far between.