Celtic have already found McGregor replacement as Scott Brown backs star

Celtic’s search for Callum McGregor’s long-term successor could eventually lead them back to their own academy.

Much of the focus has understandably been on how Martin O’Neill’s side can cope with the departure of Arne Engels following his £22m transfer to West Ham United.

But there is another midfield issue that Celtic need to address, with McGregor continuing to play a huge role despite now being 33.

The captain remains one of the most trusted players in the squad, yet the opening weeks of the season have exposed some of the problems Celtic could face if they continue to rely so heavily on him in the deepest midfield role.

Celtic’s midfield problem is leaving McGregor exposed

Celtic managed to finish last season with domestic silverware, but their midfield problems were apparent well before the current campaign.

Engels’ injury between February and April left O’Neill searching for a reliable partner for McGregor, while Reo Hatate struggled to maintain his influence during the closing stages of the season.

Hatate has since departed, with Mika Baur arriving as one of the players expected to strengthen the midfield.

So far, however, the German has not completely solved the problem.

Baur’s tendency to push forward and press has sometimes left McGregor isolated at the base of the midfield. That lack of protection was particularly noticeable during Celtic’s matches against Ferencvaros and Rangers, when their midfield was repeatedly stretched.

Benjamin Nygren has also been used further forward, but the overall midfield unit has lacked the energy and athleticism required to cope with more aggressive opponents.

Joel van den Berg has yet to make his Celtic debut, while Oliver Sorensen was recently left out of the matchday squad.

That has once again placed considerable responsibility on McGregor’s shoulders.

The midfielder has still produced some impressive numbers with the ball, completing 91 per cent of his passes and averaging 4.2 tackles and interceptions per Premiership game.

However, there are indications that his physical influence is beginning to decline.

McGregor has been dribbled past 1.2 times per game so far this season, compared with just 0.5 last term.

He has also failed to register either a goal or an assist across his six league starts, despite producing eight goals and three assists during the 2024/25 campaign.

That does not diminish his importance to Celtic, but it does underline why the club should be thinking seriously about what comes next.

Kyle Ure could offer Celtic another solution

Celtic may already have a potential answer developing away from Parkhead.

Kyle Ure is currently spending the season on loan with Crewe Alexandra, gaining valuable experience in the EFL after previously featuring for Ayr United.

The 20-year-old has made six appearances for Crewe so far and will have plenty of opportunities to continue developing before returning to Glasgow.

Ure’s record with Celtic’s B team also suggests that he can contribute in front of goal, having scored seven times in 77 appearances.

There are some notable similarities between his development and McGregor’s own journey.

McGregor did not make his Premiership debut until he was 21, having spent the 2013/14 season on loan at Notts County in League One.

That spell was particularly productive. He scored 14 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions and returned to Celtic the following season before eventually establishing himself as a key figure for the club.

Ure now has the opportunity to follow a similar route by gaining regular first-team football before attempting to force his way into Celtic’s plans.

The midfielder has already earned praise from former Celtic captain Scott Brown, who worked with him during his spell at Ayr United.

Brown highlighted Ure’s football intelligence and attitude and described the youngster as a “top talent”.

“He’s a great lad who has a real understanding of the game for one so young. His drive and willingness to learn really sets him apart and he’s got a bright future. He’s a top talent.”

That assessment will be encouraging for Celtic, particularly given Ure’s current situation.

The Scotland Under-21 international is entering the final year of his contract in Glasgow, meaning his progress at Crewe could have a significant bearing on what happens next.

A successful loan campaign could strengthen the case for Celtic to extend his deal and give him an opportunity to compete for a first-team place.

There is still a long way to go before Ure can be expected to replace someone with McGregor’s experience and influence.

However, Celtic have already seen how difficult it can be to find the right midfielder through the transfer market.

Developing Ure could therefore give the club another route to solving the succession problem.

If he continues to progress with Crewe, Celtic could have an academy graduate ready to challenge for a senior role just as the club begin to prepare for life beyond their long-serving captain.