Callum McGregor remains the indispensable core of Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic side, with his absence painfully evident during their recent defeat to Rangers.
The captain’s calf injury left a gaping void in midfield that summer signing Arne Engels couldn’t adequately fill, highlighting both McGregor’s importance and the need for long-term succession planning.
While Engels adapts to Scottish football, attention has turned to potential heirs – with Motherwell’s teenage sensation Lennon Miller emerging as a compelling candidate.
The 18-year-old’s maiden Scotland call-up has intensified speculation, with teammate Stephen O’Donnell drawing direct comparisons to Celtic’s talismanic skipper.
“Similar to when you see Callum McGregor,” stated O’Donnell.
“I have heard some Celtic fans kind of being critical of Callum McGregor this season. Then, he is missing for the Glasgow derby. By all accounts, I missed the game, but Celtic were way off it and that’s when everybody says, ‘how good is Callum McGregor’. Lennon Miller is a wee bit like that, in a way.”
Miller’s impressive Premiership campaign (7.07 WhoScored rating, 2 goals, 6 assists) suggests he could develop under McGregor’s mentorship before eventually assuming the midfield mantle.
His versatility to play multiple roles makes him an ideal long-term project, potentially available for less than Celtic paid for Engels.
Meanwhile, McGregor continues to excel in his deeper role, enjoying his most productive scoring season (8 goals) while maintaining a 7.27 rating.
His evolution into a more complete midfielder underscores why Celtic must carefully plan for both the present and future of their engine room.