Celtic captain Callum McGregor has cooled any comparisons linking him and former skipper Scott Brown in their ambassadorial roles by claiming that he is only "continuing the success" of those before him.
McGregor was made captain by Ange Postecoglou back at the start of the Australian manager's tenure, following Brown's subsequent departure to Aberdeen to become player-assistant under Stephen Glass. McGregor has instantly hit the ground running as the lead figure of Celtic on the pitch, playing a vital role in the No. 6 role that links defence and midfield whilst also barking out orders to his teammates to keep them pressing as well as they do.
His last-minute goal against the Dons in December after returning from injury exemplified that; the glee of the squad after McGregor's heroic return was there for all to see. But whilst the Lennoxtown academy product knows his responsibilities, he has played down any comparisons between himself and Brown, simply adding that he is carrying the baton between captains of old and new.
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McGregor said on his comparisons with the former Celt star: "I have been in football long enough to know that it's a ruthless sport and people are just waiting for you to fail. You try and limit that as much as you possibly can. Of course I had to find my own way in the role. Following a very successful captain, you have to be successful.
"Not because of that, but because you are now the captain and now spearheading the club in that sense on the pitch. That becomes your responsibility so that's something I carry with me every day, I try to push the standards every day in training and try to make sure the group is hungry for success, and when it comes to the big moments then hopefully we can deliver more often than not.
"It probably won't differ too much, it's a club that is dipped in success throughout its history. It was successful before Scott got it, it was successful before I got it. Our job while we are in that role is to continue that success and continue the good work that has been done, continue the values of the club. We want to respect each other every day when we come to work and we want to get better and challenge each other to get better.
"I think that's where success starts, every day it's good habits, it's turning up to training on time, preparing well, training as hard as you possibly can, trying to improve as a player, and when you get the opportunity at the weekend, you want to show everybody what a good player you are and what a good side you are."
Callum McGregor was promoting Viaplay's coverage of Celtic v Kilmarnock on Saturday, January 14
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