CELTIC supporters struggled with what they saw in the Old Firm derby defeat to Rangers this afternoon.
But for Scott Allan – it’s what they DIDN’T see that was the biggest concern for the packed out Parkhead stands.
Celtic were left smarting by their first home defeat of the season and first to Rangers since 2019[/caption]
Reo Hatate scored but didn’t have his usual midfield partner beside him[/caption]
That was a huge miss for the Hoops according to Scott Allan[/caption]
The former Hoops midfielder was on pundit duty with BBC Sportscene analysing his old side and Rangers‘ 3-2 win, alongside Steven Naismith.
It was a game with away fans back in the ground and plenty of goals – settled by a spectacular strike by Hamza Igamane with three minutes to go.
However the key, according to the one-time midfielder was what was missing from the Celtic display.
Captain Callum McGregor.
The skipper had been struggling with an ankle knock and sat out training on Friday – but he didn’t recover in time to take part.
And that was pivotal according to Allan.
After all the tactical elements he and Naismith highlighted from the game – it’s what Hoops fans DIDN’T see that was another contributing factor.
He said: “He was [a big loss].
“Listen, for me, Callum McGregor – it’s not until he’s not in the team you see how valuable he is to that squad.
“We spoke about the leadership, but for me he is the function of how the Celtic team plays – everything’s played through him.
“It allows Hatate to pick up certain positions the same if Engles is a bit further forward.
“So for me, I think it can just prove how valuable a member he is.”
Rangers had their own treble-winning midfielder, and former captain in the dugout.
Barry Ferguson has seen off Jose Mourinho in his month as interim manager, and now recorded Rangers’ first win at Celtic Park for five and a half years.
Callum McGregor arrived at Celtic Park – but didn’t take part[/caption]
Steven Naismith (right) also assessed Barry Ferguson’s Rangers boss credentials[/caption]
Barry Ferguson has had three big results to kick off his Ibrox dugout career[/caption]
That’s certified his credentials as a potential boss according to ex-team-mate Naismith.
But he still has more to prove.
He said: “I was in a similar situation at Hearts when I got the interim [job].
“This is an opportunity for him. He doesn’t know what is going to happen with a takeover or whatever.
“All he can do is say ‘I am up for this job, I’m good enough to do it and I have the understanding, backroom team and knowledge of the club’.
“For me, he comes across in his press like a Rangers manager. He’s shown in this last two weeks he’s got the tactical detail needed.
“But this is only the first part. He needs to do it away to Edinburgh clubs, Aberdeen away. These are tough games that cause different problems.”
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