Ange Postecoglou has welcomed back Callum McGregor into his Celtic fold as he ramps up his return bid.
The captain has been out of action since picking up a knee injury in the autumn on Champions League duty away at RB Leipzig. Celtic have managed to build up a nine-point gap in the Premiership amid his absence but he is set to be a big boost to the Australian's plans ahead of competitive action returning on Saturday against Aberdeen.
He has been given a start against Stade Rennais in a hush-hush behind closed doors friendly in Portugal, and the half has played out in bonkers fashion for the Hoops, going down 4-3 before half-time. The main objective of the exercise though will be to build fitness ahead of the Dons challenge while integrating new central defender Yuki Kobayashi into the group after his arrival from J League club Vissel Kobe.
Postecoglou said last month: "He can't wait to get cracking. He's ready to go and it will be great to have him back.
"Credit to the team. People stepped up, they needed to. He's (McGregor) such an influential player on and off the field.
"Cameron [Carter-Vickers] did a fantastic job stepping in as captain alongside Joe Hart. Both of them really filled that void. To have him back will be brilliant not just for us as a team but the whole club."
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