Interim Celtic manager John Kennedy has tipped midfielder Callum McGregor to become the club’s next captain next season following the departure of Scott Brown.
Speaking to the Daily Record, the Celtic coach threw his hat into the ring as to who should take the armband this summer when Brown, who has captained the Hoops for almost a decade, leaves Celtic Park for a new role as a player-coach at Aberdeen, with Kennedy suggesting McGregor.
The Scotland international already holds the mantle of vice-captain of the club, yet despite rumours of a Premier League move to Leicester City as reported by The Sun in recent weeks, Kennedy believes McGregor will remain with Celtic this summer and succeed Brown as captain of the Scottish giants.
The Celtic coach said: “I see him as the next captain and successor to Scott Brown. If I’m asked my opinion on it, I’d say Callum. He’s a different personality to Scott. He’s a humble guy but his leadership skills are based around behaviours.”
Kennedy later added: “He is one of the first in the building every day, he does everything to the best he can and maximises what he’s got. So, he’s a great leader in that respect and he’d be a natural replacement for Scott.”
TBR View: McGregor is the natural successor for Brown as Celtic captain
Celtic will be embarking into a brave new world this summer with the departure of Brown as well as the arrival of a new manager and boardroom members who all have the objective of getting the club back to the top of Scottish football, and McGregor is the natural choice to lead the club on the pitch in this new era.
McGregor has been at the club since he was eight years old and has become one of the team’s most beloved player’s amongst supporters in recent years, and his appointment of vice-captain proves that the now 27-year-old midfielder has been viewed long-term as the replacement for Brown, which he will likely achieve this summer when the skipper departs for Aberdeen.