Callum McGregor’s future is not press-room entertainment. It is a serious football matter involving Celtic’s captain, the leadership of the dressing room and the direction of the team.
Yet when Martin O’Neill was asked whether he had spoken to McGregor, he joked:
“No, not yet. No, no, just too busy drinking with the lads! So once I sober up, then I’ll have that conversation with him and it’ll take me to Monday or Tuesday.”
The journalists may have laughed, but Celtic supporters have every right to wonder what is remotely amusing about this situation.
O’Neill sees McGregor almost every day. Why can he not simply ask his captain whether he intends to remain at the club?
This is not an insignificant conversation that can be postponed until Monday or Tuesday. McGregor is the heartbeat of Celtic’s midfield, the captain of the club and one of the most influential figures inside the dressing room.
His decision will directly affect Celtic’s transfer planning, midfield structure and preparations for the new season. If he is staying, the club must make that clear and build around him. If there is any possibility of him leaving, Celtic must begin preparing immediately.
Instead, another serious question has been turned into a punchline.
O’Neill desperately needs to read the room. Supporters are already furious about Celtic’s lack of urgency, failed transfer business and the board’s ponderous approach to squad building. They do not need more jokes while crucial issues remain unresolved.
Nobody expects O’Neill to reveal every private conversation publicly. They do, however, expect Celtic’s manager to have spoken to Celtic’s captain about his future.
The support is not laughing, Martin. It is worried, frustrated and increasingly angry.
Stop treating fundamental football matters as light entertainment. Ask McGregor the question, establish exactly where he stands and allow Celtic to plan properly.
His future is far too important to be left until everyone has “sobered up.”
The dittery old man act has come and gone, it ain’t funny anymore, does he REALLY think the Celtic fans are laughing? It is the hacks who are doing the giggling whilst loving every day that passes without any new signings.