FRANK McAVENNIE reckons Callum McGregor is in his final title battle at Celtic.
And the previous Hoops striker feels skipper CalMac is destined for a summer season reunion with Brendan Rodgers in Saudi Arabia.
SunSport revealed in December Al-Qadsiah boss Rodgers was plotting a bid to lure the midfielder to the Middle East.
McGregor, who has gained 24 trophies in 568 appearances since his Celtic debut in 2014, nonetheless has two years left of his contract.
But the academy product turns 33 in June and there’s a rising feeling he might transfer on after an epic three-way battle for the title.
McAvennie stated: “I wouldn’t be shocked if he goes and joins Brendan in Saudi — and he would go along with my blessing. He’s been completely excellent.
“He’s not getting came upon, however he’s simply not getting the gamers round to assist him.
“At 32, you want youthful legs and he’d nonetheless be the catalyst, however he’s not received them for the time being.
“Callum is getting overrun in midfield. There’s an enormous hole.
“You take a look at Rangers. They’ve received Nico Raskin who sits in midfield. We’ve not had that.
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“We had Scott Brown and everybody hated taking part in in opposition to him, the followers hated him. Raskin is similar.
“Rangers have got somebody in there controlling the game. We need somebody like that.”
Celtic are heading for an enormous rebuild, no matter whether or not they win 5 in a row or end behind Gers and present league leaders Hearts.
McAvennie stated: “If Callum goes, and Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate, they’re large gaps to fill.
“I noticed some stories about Brighton wanting to take Benjamin Nygren for £30million. Well, I’ll drive him there!
“I don’t know the place Celtic can be with out his objectives. But should you’re getting that type of cash for him, take it — as lengthy as it will get put again into the workforce.
“But we’ve received some huge cash for gamers earlier than and by no means put it again, that’s the issue.
“Brendan’s being proved right. He said, ‘If you want to progress then I’m your man. If you don’t then I’m not that kind of manager’.”
Ex-Scotland cap Macca isn’t utterly with out hope for a squad bloated with pricey duds, gamers getting back from loans and others possible to be offered.
Asked who he would single out for constructing a workforce round, he stated: “Good query. Kieran Tierney’s going to be there, that’s for positive.
“Viljami Sinisalo, I like him and he’s completed nothing improper.
“I like Alistair Johnston and Yang Hyun-jun has improved. I don’t know if he’s Player of the Year, however he’s essentially the most improved participant this yr.
“I like Hatate, however I don’t know why he’s not taking part in the way in which he can play. I feel he’s the most effective midfielders up right here.
“Jota’s going to be there and also you miss his aptitude, management of the ball, management of the sport.
“Even Arne Engels, he’s turn into a greater participant for not taking part in.
“He showed at the weekend he’s got that bit of class and quality that Celtic need.”
Don’t get McAvennie began on the strikers at present accessible to Martin O’Neill.
The 66-year-old stated: “Years and years of Celtic custom is all the time having striker, however we’ve not received any for the time being.
“Is Callum Osmand again earlier than the top of the season? He began taking part in properly and received an damage, so I used to be gutted for him.
“Tony Gale performed for Fulham and he was saying to me he’s a extremely good participant.
“The large boy Tomas Cvancara can put himself about. But Celtic have all the time had flamboyance. I don’t suppose he’s going to rating. He’ll get the odd aim.
“I like Kelechi Iheanacho as a result of when he’s up to velocity and up to health, he’s high. He’s a correct, correct striker.
“Who’s going to be the Player of the Year? Yang probably. Or Nygren because he’s scoring.”
McAvennie doubts main shareholder Dermot Desmond will sanction an enormous summer season spending spree following a troubled seasoned in Paradise.
And he admits he was shocked when the Irishman’s son Ross blasted discontented followers on the deserted AGM in November.
McAvennie stated: “Do you suppose Dermot will give them that type of cash? I don’t.
“Listen, I don’t know what goes on behind the scenes, however the followers and the Green Brigade, I agree with them. I simply suppose there’s methods to do it.
“But then Dermot’s placing his boy in and calling them bullies. You simply don’t try this.
“If Dermot places his boy on the board there’s going to be extra discontent.
“Rangers might win the league and Hearts are going to construct.
“Celtic have to step it up. If they don’t, they are going to be left behind.”
The Hoops face St Mirren of their Scottish Cup semi-final on Sunday and McAvennie fears the Buddies might repeat their 3-1 Premier Sports Cup final win.
He added: “Would you be shocked if St Mirren beat Celtic? I don’t suppose anyone can be.
“Teams just don’t fear Celtic any more.”
FRANK McAVENNIE was selling Premier Sports’ reside and unique protection of Celtic v St Mirren on Sunday from 1.30pm on Premier Sports 1. Watch Premier Sports through your TV supplier on sky, Virgin TV, STV Player and Amazon Prime as an add-on subscription, and on the Premier Sports’ Player.
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