Ange Postecoglou has hailed the “unbelievable courage” of Celtic leader Callum McGregor.
The Parkhead skipper has put himself on the line in the past five weeks after sustaining two fractures in a cheekbone.
McGregor missed less than a fortnight after suffering the horrific injury and showed extreme bravery to return for the crunch clash against Rangers wearing a protective face mask.
The 28-year-old still needs to don the medical covering when he takes to the pitch.
But that has not stopped McGregor from delivering for the team and leading from the front as Celtic attempt to win back the Premiership title and have success in the Scottish Cup.
Postecoglou has nothing but praise for his on-field lieutenant and said: “There is no doubt Callum has been a real leader for this team.
“He has shown unbelievable courage to play with that face mask for the last few weeks and then you add all the leadership qualities he has shown for us.
“It’s not just about being a leader, you also have to play your part in the team.
“You saw him last midweek against St Mirren when he scored a really important goal for us.
“Callum’s football has been outstanding and that is where it starts.
“If you are not contributing on the field, all the other stuff doesn’t really come into the same context.
“But he’s led from the front and he’s played fantastic football for us. He contributes in every game for us.”
McGregor stepped up from vice-captain after the departure of Scott Brown as part of the major transitional period of last summer.
Celtic lost their league crown a year ago this week to Rangers, but the skipper is leading his team’s efforts to win it back.
Poastecoglou said: “He will probably tell you himself that you learn the most about yourself through the most challenging periods.
“People forget this is his first year as a leader, as captain of this football club. People know the responsibility that goes with that. It’s not an easy role.
“This is his first crack at steering a team through this part of the year and I am sure he will learn a lot about himself and the way he leads.
“But I can’t speak highly enough about Callum. He’s been outstanding.”
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