Credit: BBC Sportscene, Imago

Evan Lloyd

Sun 17 May 2026 7:03, UK

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Ryan Stevenson has praised Celtic captain Callum McGregor after he lifted his 11th Scottish Premiership title at Celtic Park on Saturday.

The Bhoys captain featured throughout as his team beat Hearts 3-1 to win the title in a final day showdown.

The visitors had needed just a draw to lift a first league title since 1960, and were in a commanding position when Lawrence Shankland headed them in front before half-time.

But just minutes later, Arne Engels would equalise from the spot after Alexandros Kyziridis had been adjudged to have handled the ball.

Celtic’s star man, Daizen Maeda, would find the all-important goal in the 87th minute, before Callum Osmand’s breakaway finish would secure a fifth consecutive title at Parkhead.

Ryan Stevenson hopes Callum McGregor gets ‘recognition he deserves’

Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness exclusively told Football Insider in December that McGregor could leave Celtic, after rumours emerged linking him to Brendan Rodgers-led Al Qadsiah.

But the 32-year-old went nowhere in January, and has continued to be a key part of Martin O’Neil’s squad.

Despite plenty of criticism this season, McGregor has been an ever-present controller for the Bhoys throughout the campaign, making a remarkable 56 appearances across all competitions.

In all but one of Celtic’s final five Scottish Premiership games, he has played for the full 90 minutes, and Saturday’s title decider was no different.

It was the midfielder who played the pass through to Osmand to seal the trophy, which he would lift shortly after.

Speaking to BBC Sportscene on Saturday, former Hearts man Stevenson was asked about this Celtic team’s character and said: “I think Callum’s pivotal in that.

“What he’ll do, day in, day out with the group, the way he’ll manage them on the pitch. I think we’ve seen that. I think it’s been a tough season for Callum because he came into a bit of criticism at times, and he’s managed to find a way through it.

“He’s a proper captain for me and one Celtic player who did deserve to lift the title today was him, for everything that he’s been through.

“Where it’s been people having a pop at him, which I think was unjust, but he has undoubtedly been dragging players through.”

He added: “I hope he gets the recognition that he truly deserves because he’s been a great captain this year.”

McGregor eyes summer overhaul

Despite Celtic’s victorious Saturday, there is an acceptance at Parkhead that big changes are needed in the summer.

O’Neil has provided a formidable presence as interim manager, but the Northern Irishman must now be replaced amid the backdrop of the failure of Wilfried Nancy’s appointment.

McGregor confirmed in an interview last month that he wants to see ambition above him this summer, with the midfielder sending a clear message when he told decision-makers to trust those with the right qualifications.

The board remain a hot topic at Celtic, and this summer will be seen as a key test for those responsible for the hiring of Nancy.