Celtic signing told to ‘step up’ after ‘massive’ Callum McGregor update – McAvennie
Frank McAvennie has told Oliver Abildgaard to “step up” at Celtic following Callum McGregor’s injury.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Hoops striker said Abildgaard “has to play” whilst McGregor is out of action.
McGregor picked up an injury in the Celts’ Champions League defeat to RB Leipzig last Wednesday (5 October).
On Saturday (8 October), Sky Sports revealed that the Celtic captain will be out of action until after the World Cup in Qatar.
Ange Postecoglou said the initial report suggested McGregor will be out for “three or four weeks” which will keep him sidelined until after the international break at the end of the year.
The Green and Whites boss added that missing the midfielder is a “massive loss”.
Abildgaard replaced the captain in the 3-1 defeat to Leipzig last week but started on the bench against St Johnstone on Saturday (8 October).
He was subbed on for the final 20 minutes of the 2-1 Premiership victory.
When asked how important it is for Abildgaard to step up for the Hoops during McGregor’s absence, McAvennie told Football Insider: “He has to.
“He has been there for a while. From what I hear he has been doing extra training to get him up to speed, which is great. Now is the time.
“He needs games, he got a good half last week. He has to play him whilst Callum is out. There are a lot of midfield players but the defence has been all over the place recently so he has to step up.“
In other news, an ex-Premier League referee has demanded SFA intervention as Celtic and Rangers braced for ‘imminent’ change.