Brendan Rodgers has detailed the secret Mallorca lunch with Callum McGregor that played a key role in his Celtic return.
The former Hoops gaffer is officially back in the hot seat for a second spell after being confirmed as Ange Postecoglou's successor at Parkhead. The 50-year-old - who enjoyed a trophy laden spell during his first stint in charge - has put pen to paper on a three-year deal as he looks to bring further success to the Scottish champions and make a mark on the European stage.
The squad has virtually changed since his previous time at the club but skipper McGregor was 'pivotal' during that period and he's a big reason behind the ex-Liverpool and Leicester City gaffer accepting Dermot Desmond's pitch to return.
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Opening up on that chat and his captain in an interview with Celtic TV, Rodgers said: “He was pivotal back then, just seeing a young player develop. I’ve obviously seen him when I left and just seeing him continue to make that growth was really pleasing.
“And I have to say he was a big part of my decision to come back as well, because I had a lunch with him for a few hours in Majorca, and just understanding the squad and where it was at and what he felt the club was at, he gave me some great feedback that the group is hungry, it’s young and ready to keep pushing forward.
'And for me Callum’s an absolutely brilliant player on the pitch, his brain, his view of the game is right up there with the very, very best I’ve ever worked with.'
“He’s robust, he plays many games, he’s the ultimate professional, but within that he has a great humility. So I’m absolutely delighted that coming back here, he’s the club captain."
