Callum McGregor wows Celtic idol with what he did for teammate during clash
Celtic captain Callum McGregor has ‘done well’ for giving the penalty in their 2-0 win over Hearts to new boy Arne Engles.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, ex-Celtic striker Frank McAvennie believes McGregor, 31, did the right thing in taking the penalty from Reo Hatate, 26, and giving it to the 21-year-old, praising their team spirit.
Engels opened his Celtic account on Saturday (September 14), slotting a well-placed spot-kick past veteran ‘keeper Craig Gordon in the Hearts goal.
The Belgium international made the switch from German club Augsburg late on transfer deadline day for a club-record fee of £11million.
Callum McGregor gives a helping hand to Celtic new boy Arne Engels
McGregor has already beaten his goal tally last season, scoring three times in Celtic’s opening six games across all competitions.
The captain is now able to fully concentrate on his club career having recently announced his retirement from international football with 63 caps to his name.
“It was the captain who took it off Hatate and told him to give it to Engels”, McAvennie told Football Insider.
“He (Hatate) is obviously the penalty taker, but it gave him (Engels) a chance, in front of the home fans, get a goal and get off the ground.
“The captain has done well there, McGregor has done well, whether Engels wanted to take it or not he gave it to him.
“You’ve got to see the team spirit, Hatate gave it to him and then when he scored Hatate was the first one to go over and jump on his back.
“There is a great team spirit there.”
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